Parish Council

		Annemarie Cook, Chair Annemarie Cook joined Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Rochester after moving from Virginia with her family. One of her most memorable experiences has been watching her boys grow in their faith by attending church, studying at Seaton, and receiving their sacraments at Lourdes. Deeply involved in parish life, Annemarie has passionately served in various roles, including running the Growing in Love program, serving on the finance council, and ministering as a Eucharistic minister. She was inspired to join the parish council to support and provide guidance, embodying her belief that the church is truly “the people of God”
		Melvin Ver, Vice Chair Melvin Ver has been a part of St. Anne Parish for 16 years, having joined in 2008. One of the most memorable experiences he has here is the deep sense of community and connection that he found through various parish activities. Melvin was inspired to join the parish council by Father Gary Tyman, whose leadership encouraged him, as well as a personal sense of responsibility and desire to give back to the parish cluster that has given him so much.
		Judith Shaw, Secretary Judy Shaw has been a cherished member of St. Anne Parish for 44 years, deeply rooted in the community and its vibrant activities. One of her most memorable experiences has been participating in various social ministry initiatives, which she feels passionate about. Recently, Judy was inspired to join the Parish Council after being approached about a need within the parish. With her previous experience on councils, she was eager to contribute her insights and support the community further.
		Doug Doyle, Immediate Past Chair Doug Doyle has been a valued member of St. Anne’s for eight years, with his most memorable experience being the baptism of his son, Ryan. Passionate about serving the community, Doug actively participates as a Eucharistic Minister at both parishes. Inspired by a desire to contribute to positive change, he joined the parish council to help shape the future of the parish cluster.
		Carol De Filippo, Member Carol De Filippo has been a part of Our Lady of Lourdes Church since 1981, after moving to Rochester from New Jersey for her frst professional job. She was drawn to the parish by its warm, family-like atmosphere. Over the years, Carol has been actively involved in various ministries, including serving as a Communion Minister, Lector, and Sacristan, and she hopes to see new, younger members taking on these roles. Though initially unsure about joining the parish council, after three terms, she realized that all contributions are valued and that her unique perspective has been appreciated.
		Karen Gerew, Member Karen Gerew has been an enthusiastic member of Saint Anne Parish since 1979. Reecting on over four decades of involvement, she fnds it hard to pick just one memorable experience, as there have been many. Among the activities she’s most passionate about is fostering the warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes Saint Anne so special. This same commitment to creating a sense of community inspired her to join the parish council, where she strives to ensure that everyone feels like an important part of the parish family.
		Joe Haefner, Member Joe Haefner has been a member of Saint Anne’s parish since childhood, where he attended Saint Anne’s school and was later married. He serves as an usher at the parish and is passionate about increasing the parish’s involvement in helping the homeless and less fortunate. His journey to the parish council was inspired by Father Tyman, who invited him to join during a time when Joe wanted to deepen his involvement in the parish community, an invitation he feels fortunate and blessed to have received.
		Theresa Kwiatkowski, Member Theresa Kwiatkowski has been a devoted member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish for 40 years. One of her most memorable experiences was serving as the Director of the Growing in Love Program for children, which she found deeply fulflling. Passionate about her role as a Liturgical Minister, Theresa is also committed to promoting young adults within the parish. Her inspiration to join the parish council stems from her previous experience with the council, where she gained a deep appreciation for the extensive work involved in fostering community and growth within the parish cluster.
		Dennis Permoda, Member Dennis Permoda has been a dedicated member of our parish cluster for 38 years, belonging to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. One of his most memorable experiences was getting married to his lovely wife, Sharon, by Fr. O’Connor in September 1986. Dennis is passionate about various activities within the cluster, including the Parish Council, Social Ministries, Liturgical Ministry Scheduling, and Habitat for Humanity. His inspiration to join the parish council stemmed from a desire to be more involved and gain a deeper understanding of parish activities.
		Richard Sullivan, Member Richard Sullivan has been a dedicated member of Our Lady of Lourdes (OLOL) parish since the mid-1980s. One of his most memorable experiences was serving on the committee that helped form the parish cluster with Lourdes and St. Anne’s. Passionate about ministry, Richard actively serves as a Lector and leads the OLOL Annual Non-Perishable Goods Outreach to the 14621 Zip Code each Lenten season. His desire to serve the parish community in every possible way inspired him to become a member of the parish council.