Rev. Father Dennis J. O'Keeffe, D. Min., Pastor
frokeeffe@zionsvillecatholic.com, 317.873.2885 ext. 603

Father O’Keeffe has been a priest for more than 25 years and pastor of Saint Alphonsus Liguori since 2006. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Scholastic Philosophy from the Seminary of Saint Pius X and a Master of Divinity Degree from Saint Meinrad School of Theology. Father O’Keeffe has also earned a Master of Science Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Dayton and in 2000, a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Graduate Theological Foundation, with a concentration in Marriage and Family Pastoral Counseling. 

Born in Detroit, Father O’Keeffe is the eldest of nine children. His family moved to Logansport, Ind. where he grew up believing he was his mother’s favorite child (so far, no one has told him otherwise). He relies on Saint Denis who, according to our pastor, was “an extraordinary preacher even with his head chopped off,” and Saint Barbara, known for her strong will and determination.

Besides watching old movies and rocking out to classical sonatas or Irish folk music, Father O’Keeffe enjoys reading, adding to his wealth of knowledge and talent for “remembering obscura.” Having visited the cathedrals of New York, Manila, Nassau, Beijing, Monte Carlo, Seoul, Paris, Jerusalem, and Rome, to name only a few, our parish pastor harbors an ambition to see the remainder of the world’s great cathedrals!
 

Rev. Father Christopher Roberts, Associate Pastor
frroberts@zionsvillecatholic.com, 317.873.2885 ext. 601

Father Roberts graduated with high honors from Harvard University in 2001, double majoring in History and the Comparative Study of Religion. Upon receiving the equivalent of a Master of Divinity degree at the Pontifical Gregorian University and a Master of Arts in Dogmatic Theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (both in Rome), Father Roberts entered the priesthood in June, 2007.

As a young scholar, he explained how he once shared breakfast with fellow Harvard graduate, actress Natalie Portman. He said, reminiscing, “I think I ran into her once when she was getting a bagel, although I wasn't wearing my glasses at the time.” Yes, well … it’s possible we stretched the truth on that one.

Father Roberts became fluent in Spanish while studying in Mexico. He also reads Italian and would like to add Koine Greek to his linguistic inventory … “so that I can read the New Testament in its original language,” he said.

This Logansport native and the youngest of six is inspired by the sixteenth Century music of Monteverdi and Palestrina, though he admits he has a harder time recognizing the finer qualities of art … “Being colorblind can make art difficult for me to appreciate; perhaps this is why my favorite artist is El Greco!”
 

Sonya Derocher, Office Manager
officemanager@zionsvillecatholic.com, 317.873.2885 ext. 101

Sonya has had the hectic duty of keeping everything running smoothly at the parish office since June, 2006. Regardless of the busy pace, she still loves her job. For 16 years, this native Hoosier worked in the banking industry where she received extensive personnel management training and certification, providing her the tools to work  most efficiently.
 
Sonya lives in Zionsville with her husband, four children (the oldest is currently enlisted in the United States Navy), three cats and a dog. Life in the Derocher house is very lively! After a full day of work and school, they often unwind by singing and dancing to some old classics. This nature lover also keeps birdfeeders stocked for feathered friends. She and her daughter love to keep an eye out for new visitors - a couple of Pileated Woodpeckers have been welcomed guests lately. “It is not uncommon for us to be seen with our binoculars up to our eyes and the bird book on the table next to us,” Sonya says.

Sonya hopes, one day, to visit Ireland. Perhaps then, she can add some European species to her ever growing list of birds.
 

Nicki Baltz, Parish Secretary
parishsecretary@zionsvillecatholic.com, 317.873.2885 ext. 111

Nicki has been a parishioner at Saint Alphonsus Liguori for more than 19 years and Parish Secretary since 2008. When you call or stop by the office, Nicki is there to welcome and guide you in your quest, from Mass cards to bulletin announcements and beyond.

Originally a “Buckeye” from Lancaster, Ohio, this devoted mother stepped into the retail business after staying home to raise her two boys. For 30 years, she enjoyed a happy and successful career, four of which were spent as owner of The Gift Horse, a unique establishment formally located in downtown Zionsville. Nicki also has an admiration for art, especially for the work of local celebrity artist Nancy Noel, known for her timeless portraits of animals, angels and the Amish. "I am in awe of the artwork of artist Nancy Noel,” Nicki said.
 
This kid at heart has five wonderful grandchildren with whom she enjoys sharing her free time. Oh, and speaking of kids, Nicki’s patron saint is one who is recognized worldwide - Saint Nicholas, the Patron Saint of Children!
 

Carolyn Gehlbach, Ministry Secretary
ministrysecretary@zionsvillecatholic.com, 317.873.2885 ext. 110

Carolyn oversees the parish database and sacramental records while also helping ministry directors meet their responsibilities. With an extensive knowledge of computer software and hardware, Carolyn is often times the office go-to person when technology problems arise.

The next time you swing by the parish office, check out the daily joke on the front desk near the candy jar. It’s just one of Carolyn’s fun and witty contributions to the happy disposition of people who pop in for a visit. This free spirit who calls upon all the angels and saints to get her through life can always be counted on to bring some amusement to an otherwise humdrum day.

Though born and raised in Indiana, Carolyn would jump at the chance to hunker down on a tropical Hawaiian island where she could close her eyes and just listen to the pounding of the surf. 
 

Lisa Tobin, Worship Coordinator
worshipcoordinator@zionsvillecatholic.com, 317.873.2885 ext. 310

Indianapolis native, Lisa, came on board at Saint Alphonsus Liguori in June, 2011, though she and her family have celebrated Mass and been involved in parish life for several years prior to her employment. While she majored in Elementary Education, the majority of her work experience has been secretarial in nature, lending itself well to her current position.
 
Lisa has served on the board of a statewide network for Catholic home educators for a number of years after she and her husband Mark had decided to home school their children. "We have found home education to be an incredible gift for our family,” said Lisa.

As is often a trait found in many school teachers, Lisa is a consummate organizer, arranging all kinds of things, from calendars and schedules to furniture and other home décor. Something she has yet to arrange is an extensive collection of postcards. Add to that collection her fascination with all kinds of maps – physical, political, historical, topographical – and it becomes clear why Lisa has such a desire to travel. “There are many places I hope to visit,” she said, “Rome and Ireland are near the top of the list, but pilgrimages to Notre Dame and other churches in Europe would be wonderful too.”
 

Kimberly Overmyer, Director of Faith Formation
faithformation@zionsvillecatholic.com, 317.873.2885 ext. 401

St. Catherine of Siena is Kimberly’s patron saint - a simple girl with the ability to influence popes, and a Doctor of the Church. “I call on her for guidance and assistance in directing parish ministry,” Kimberly says.

This fun-loving teacher, who has a kind heart and a great sense of humor, enjoys scrapbooking, reading, watching movies, cooking and traveling - and would be thrilled to experience the latter in a hot air balloon!
 

Brenda Knecht, Religious Education Coordinator
recoordinator@zionsvillecatholic.com, 317.873.2885 ext. 410

With a degree in management from Indiana University, Brenda worked in the banking and publishing industries before taking time off to stay home with her five children.  The Knechts have been parishioners since 1999 and in August 2008, Brenda beame Coordinator of Religious Education and now organizes theConfraternity of Christian Doctrine(CCD) for children in grades Pre-K through 6^thGrade, as well as manages the intricacies of Vacation Bible School. “I love that I have been able to stay home with my kids and watch them participate in many activities,” Brenda said, acknowledging the rewards of a stay-at-home mom.

Brenda’s husband and children enjoy playing golf, a leisure activity that this country music lover hopes to start up again soon (once she conquers her collection of mismatched socks)! Speaking of family, Brenda’s favorite saints are a mother and son duo – Saint Monica and Saint Augustine. “As a parent, I look at St. Monica and her faith and prayer life and find it very inspiring,” Brenda said, conceding that parenting isn’t always an easy job.

So, if family seems an obvious theme here, some may say it’s fitting that Brenda and her sister married brothers! 
 

Alexa Sifuentes, Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry
asifuentes@zionsvillecatholic.com, 317.873.2885 ext. 502

Alexa is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame (ND), with a Bachelor's degree in Studio Art and Theology on top of a Masters of Art in Theology. She participated in the apprenticeship, "Echo: Faith Formation Leadership Program*." Before St. Alphonsus, she served as Director of Religious Education at Saint Pius X Parish in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.
 
This artist at heart has also played the violin for more than 25 years and dabbled in just about every medium of art - from mosaics to writing icons. You may even catch her playing fiddle with a local charity that maintains a special children's center for underprivileged youth in El Salvador. "I am so happy that God has allowed me to share these gifts with others," she explained.
 
Alexa works as co-director with her husband Paul whom she met while they were students at Notre Dame. After meeting, they later learned that even though Alexa's family was living in Connecticut and Paul's in Illinois, they were actually born six hours apart at a time when their families lived less than 10 miles from one another.
 

Paul Sifuentes, Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry
psifuentes@zionsvillecatholic.com, 317.873.2885 ext. 501

Paul graduated from the University of Notre Dame with degrees in Theology and Theatre before earning a Master of Arts in Theology in 2007. Both his educational background and previous work in church ministry serve as an exceptional foundation on which he builds and fosters an outstanding Youth Ministry program. Blessed with an engaging and fun-loving personality, this young husband and father brings loads of enthusiasm and excitement to the job!
 
Paul and his wife Alexa share an appreciation for music that they will surely pass on to their son, Luke (Paul loves to sing and Alexa is an accomplished violin player), and while this former member of the Notre Dame Glee Club appreciates various artists, Matt Maher, a contemporary Christian artist and songwriter, is one of his favorites.
 
Aside from Notre Dame Football, the native of Lombard, Ill. has a natural affinity for Chicago sports and is grateful for any opportunity to take in a game, whether in person or at home. Time permitted, Paul also enjoys participating in sports, from basketball to dodge ball and ultimate frisbee. Could that be how our spirited Youth Minister managed to dislocate both of his pinkies?
 

Terie Thompson, Youth Ministry Coodinator
youthcoordinator@zionsvillecatholic.com, 3173873.2885 ext. 510

Terie has been a parishioner since 2002 and became the coordinator for youth ministry in 2009.  Having been involved with religious education and youth ministry for more than 20 years, it was a natural transition for Terie to assume her current position.
 
Although born in the Philippines, this former molecular biologist has lived in North America most of her life, primarily in Southern California, where she attended the University of California in San Diego. While residing there, Terie acted as music director and pianist for her home parish (occasionally, you may even see her playing for Masses here).
 
Aside from being an accomplished musician and devoted mother of two teenage girls, Terie is an avid reader. She is drawn to several authors, but Mother Angelica is one of her favorites. “I also dip a toe in Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologica,” she says. While she truly enjoys taking trips with the youth of the parish, Terie also enjoys traveling with her own family, hoping one day to visit the Holy Land with her husband Mark.
 

Diane Peasel, Director of Communication
communicationdirector@zionsvillecatholic.com, 317.873.2885 ext. 201

Terrie Catellier, Bookkeeper
bookkeeper@zionsvillecatholic.com, 317.873.2885 ext. 102

Terrie has more than 20 years of bookkeeping experience on her resume, and since October, 2009, the Lawrence, Ind. native has been meticulously keeping track of finances at Saint Alphonsus Liguori Parish. While employed by the church, Terrie is also a very involved parishioner, currently serving as a religious education catechist and principal.
 
Family is an extremely important part of Terrie’s existence, especially Mason Jay, her three-year-old grandson. He’s “the love of my life!” she says, tenderly. Together, they love spending time on the lake where they enjoy skiing, swimming and fishing, among other water sports. In the winter, this soft-spoken grandmother will often times head to Pokagon State Park for the thrilling 1,780 foot toboggan run!
 
When she’s not golfing or exploring out-of-the-way places for notable antiques, Terrie has a desire to learn the intricacies of wine – from the vineyard to the glass – while visiting California’s wine country.

Dan Selear, Director of Building & Grounds
317.873.2885

Dan is a journeyman carpenter with many years of experience in his field. After being called to the United States Army and serving in Vietnam, the loyal employee went back to work with the same company for which he apprenticed, and stayed there until they went out of business, 33 years later! Following that run, he worked as Maintenance Director for two different companies before signing on in the same capacity with Saint Alphonsus Liguori in 2007 to tend the buildings and grounds of our parish home.

With Saint Joseph as his guide, this hard-working carpenter and his wife, Sherry, moved from Kenosha, Wisconsin to Indiana. Here, they are close to their only son and his family, including three wonderful grandchildren.

A long-time automobile enthusiast, Dan still finds pleasure in attending car shows. He has even built five hot rods himself! With talent and skill in his toolbox, this optimistic craftsman looks forward to building yet one more cool and classy, custom car sometime in the future.