Staff

Find out more about the staff of Holy Cross Catholic Church by selecting from the list below.

Director of Religious Ed/Youth Ministry: Brenda Mears - Email: bmears@ideaone.net

Asst. to the DRE: Joe Sanden - Email: jsanden@ideaone.net

Building Campaign Associate: Donna Blotsky - Email: dblotsky@ideaone.net

Administrative Assistant: Margaret Keller - Email: mkeller@ideaone.net

Business Manager: Penne Soucy - Email: psoucy@ideaone.net

Communications Coordinator: Elly Holland - Email: ellyhollandwf@msn.com

Seminarian: Andrew DeCock - Email

Maintenance/Custodian: Kofi Avortri

Fr. James Meyer - Pastor
701-282-7217
padresmail@yahoo.com

Hello, I think it would be good to review again who I am and where I came. I was born in Madison, South Dakota on September 28, 1967. I was raised in Fargo and went to Fargo South High School. Our family attended St Anthony of Padua parish where I was active in many areas but mostly as an altar server. Following high school I went to NDSU and Cardinal Muench Seminary where I received a BA in Communications and a minor in Philosophy. I was then sent to the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus Ohio where I finished my Master in Divinity.

I was ordained in 1994 on June 4 where I was sent to Jamestown to the Basilica of St James for (2) years. I was then moved to Shanley High School where I was the chaplain and taught Religion.

While I was at Shanley, I was also in charge of the Wyndmere parish as their Pastor and assisted several other churches in the process. Following that eight year stint I was moved to Mayville and Hunter where I resided for 5 years. Now I have been placed in the midst of West Fargo looking forward to many great and wonderful years.

My family consists of my folks, Ray and Rita, who live in south Fargo. I have 3 sisters and 1 brother. I love family and have enjoyed the move to be closer to all of them as well.

Some of my hobbies and likes are, should I say just about everything but that may not be fair. So, I do enjoy people. I love to be invited out to meet and visit with families. I enjoy food, I love all kinds of food, I do like to cook. I enjoy working around the house inside and out. I enjoy sports, all kinds but mostly football and basketball. I also love the arts; I enjoy plays & musicals. All in all I am a well rounded young man. I enjoy lots of things from lots of areas of life.

And lastly, if you have a need, or an issue or just want to ask a question to see if something is possible, ask me!! I do not bite and I have always been known to be willing to listen. Just remember that you may not always get what you ask for and it could be that it was for the better of the church as a whole. Parents should be well versed in this kind of diplomacy as you may have used it with your children. God bless you and your families.

Back to Staff Listing

Fr. Andrew Jasinski - Associate Pastor

701-282-7217

andrew.jasinski@fargodiocese.org

Back to Staff Listing

James Eggl - Deacon
701-282-7217
eggl.james@gmail.com

Hi, I am Deacon James Eggl. I grew up on a farm at Cando in north-central North Dakota. I am the youngest of eight children. I graduated from high school in 1968. and went on to get a 2 year degree in auto-mechanics from Lake Region Junior College in Devils Lake, ND. I was united in the Sacrament of Marriage to my wife, Sue, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cando on July 18, 1970. Sue & I made our home on the farm at Cando, farming with my father until his death in 1987, then continuing on our own until 2000, when we rented the farm out. We also owned and operated a grain cleaning facility, which was right on the farm, where I cleaned grain for other farmers.

God blessed us with five beautiful children. James W. (Alison) Eggl, Jacksonville, Fl., Tami (Lee) Cariveau, East Grand Forks, MN., Serena (Jaydee) Weigand, Grand Forks, Melissa Eggl, West Fargo, and Christopher Eggl, Fargo. In addition, God so blessed us with more special blessings, six loveable grandchildren.

God leads us down only one path with its little trails that sometimes let us get sidetracked. But, He seems to always have a way of bringing us back to where he wants us, if we only keep in contact with him. God has always been a part of my life in one-way or another. I, in my wildest dreams, never dreamt that I would be doing what I am doing today. When I was growing up, I think I was one of the shyest people on this earth. But, if we just allow ourselves to be molded as God wills for us through His grace and blessings, good things do happen.

I was ordained a Deacon in the Diocese of Fargo on May 17, 2003. I had been assigned to assist in serving the spiritual needs of the faithful at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cando until our move to Fargo. I thoroughly enjoy working and visiting with people and assisting them in any way that I can. At the present time, I am employed at Villa Maria Living Center as a full-time Chaplain. After living in the Fargo community for even this relatively short time, I truly feel that this is where God wants me to serve at this point in my life. I feel so comfortable in my ministry here and everyone makes me feel a part of a Big-Happy-Family. This is something that I am so used to since having been raised in a sizable family. It makes me feel like I'm having a family reunion every day.

I would like to thank everyone for their patience and encouragement and hope and pray that God will give me the grace to be His instrument to bring the love and joy of His Son, Jesus Christ, into the hearts of all that my life touches.

Back to Staff Listing

David Haney - Deacon
701-282-7217
dhaney@ideaone.net

Greetings! My home town is Mandan, ND; my elementary education was completed at St. Joseph's School and my secondary education at Mandan High School. My undergraduate degree is from UND and my master's degree and doctorate are from the University of Montana.

My career has been in education as a teacher, school administrator and college professor. Even while serving in the Army, I found time to teach adult education courses in Georgia and Seoul, Korea.

In 1963, I married Gay Lynn (Schuler); we were married for 45 years before the Lord called her home. Family was the focus of our life. We have one daughter, Stacy (John) Heidenreich and three grandchildren: Tyler, Hannah and Seth. My brother, Dennis and his spouse, Nancy reside in Mandan but spend the winter in Arizona.

My hobbies include reading, riding my Scooter when the weather permits and keeping track of my poodle, Gandalf. My father was a projectionist for the Mandan Theater and my mother managed the concession stand; so, you can imagine that I have a passion for the good theatre and movies. My favorite sports are baseball and football.

Being a bit of a vagabond, I like to travel and have been to Europe a couple of times and in 2008, went to the Holy Land.

In 2004, I received a calling to begin the diaconate program and was ordained in November 2009. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to serve as a deacon at Holy Cross Catholic Church.

Back to Staff Listing

Bianca Wiederrich - Choir Director/Liturgist
701-282-7217
bwiederrich@ideaone.net

Hello, my name is Bianca Wiederrich. I am the Liturgy and Choir Director at Holy Cross.

On April 22, 1980, I was born Jamestown, ND. I grew up and went to school in Edgeley, ND, a small town south of Jamestown. In 1998, I graduated from Edgeley High School and went on to attend college at Valley City State University. As I was very active in music in high school, I decided that I would pursue this interest at a higher level. In December of 2002, I graduated with double major in K-12 vocal and instrumental music education. After college I was hired by Thompson Public School as the instrumental music teacher. I taught 5-12 grade band in Thompson, ND for two years. In the summer of 2005, I joined the staff of Holy Cross Catholic Church as the Liturgist and Choir Director. I have many duties in my position at Holy Cross, but my favorite part of my job is being able to minister music for the church. I am currently the director of the Adult Choir and Heart-to-Hand Bell Choir.

My family consists of my parents, my older sister Nicki and my nephew Brennan.

In my spare time, I enjoy many hobbies and love sports. On any Sunday during the NFL season you will find my watching the Minnesota Vikings. I am a die hard fan if they are winning or losing!!!

Back to Staff Listing

Patrick Thiel- Youth Choir Director
701-282-7217
knicks11@hotmail.com

I’m originally from Minot. I graduated from NDSU with a major in Instrumental Music Education. My brother, Ryan, is a music industry student at MSUM in Moorhead. My sister, Kelly, is a radiology technician in Great Falls, MT and she has an 18 month old daughter named Gracie. I got married in May to Haley. I sing and play guitar in a worship band called “Saving Reign”. In my other spare time I like to watch movies and play Frisbee Golf. I’m extremely excited to join the Holy Cross staff and I look forward to having a lot of fun with the choirs this year.

Back to Staff Listing

Joe Sanden - Asst to the Director of Religious Education
701-282-7217
jsanden@ideaone.net

Hello to everyone! I would like to share with you the journey that led me to become the Director of Faith Formation, as well as some background information about myself.

I have been the Director of Faith Formation at Holy Cross since May 19^th, 2010. I oversee Children’s Liturgy of the Word (3-6 year olds), the Preschool/Kindergarten Sunday morning faith formation classes, and the 1^st – 8^th grade Wednesday faith formation classes. I also oversee sacrament preparation for 2^nd-12^th grade students and Vacation Bible School in the summer.

I grew up in Wyndmere, ND, and have 3 sisters and 1 brother. My parents are still plugging away on the family farm near Barney, ND. My oldest sister is married and has 2 children and lives in Brainerd. Next is my brother, who is also married and has 3 children and lives in Alexandria, MN. I follow in line, acting as the buffer between the two oldest and two youngest siblings and I live by myself in South Fargo. Then I have a sister who recently moved back to the Twin Cities, only to get more education and then take off on another journey somewhere else. Lastly my youngest sister is married with 1 child and 1 on the way, and they live in North Fargo.

Although I do not have any kids or commitments, I still keep myself very busy. I love being outside whenever the weather permits, be it the summer or the winter. I love watching and playing almost all sports. I also enjoy biking and hiking with friends throughout the summer months. I spend a lot of time down at the lake cabin in the summer, which is the common meeting ground for the whole family. I love my family dearly; we are very close and seem to be getting closer as we all get older.

I look forward to sharing my faith and love of Jesus with all of the children and catechists of Holy Cross. It is a privilege and an honor to be involved in your faith lives. I thank all of the parents for allowing me to minister to your children.

May God bless you!

Back to Staff Listing

Brenda Mears - Director of Religious EducationYouth Ministry
701-282-7217
bmears@ideaone.net

My husband Claude and I are both originally from Rugby. We were High School sweethearts. We have been married 22 1/2 years. We have four children. Claude works at Mid-America Aviation as an Aviation Technician.

Both of our parents still live in Rugby, ND. I have one brother and three sisters. Three of my siblings live in MN and one lives in Florida. Claude has two brothers, one who lives in Horace and one in Rugby.

Claude and I are also Foster Parents through PATH. For now, we do respite care. As you can see I have a love for kids. We also enjoy bowling, softball, walking, watching the Vikes, and watching NASCAR racing. Have a Sunshine Day!

Back to Staff Listing

Donna Blotsky - Building Campaign Associate
701-282-7217
dblotsky@ideaone.net

Greetings, my name is Donna Blotsky. I am the new Building Campaign Associate for Holy Cross Catholic Church.

I was born January 6, 1946 in Fargo, ND. I grew up on a farm at Mapleton , ND and attended all 12 years of my schooling at the Mapleton Public School, Mapleton, ND

I attended Dakota Business College for two years. The workforce at that time was searching for employees. Dakota Business College offered me an early out into the workforce, I took the opportunity. I was hired by Lutheran Hospital and Home society and employed by them for eighteen years as data entry operator, Input/Output Controller in the Computer Department and later Manager of the Computer Department. Due to my father’s failing health I took a leave of absence to be with him and help care for him until his death. After his death I resigned my position.

I am married to Leo Blotsky and this past June we celebrated our 41 Wedding Anniversary. We have two children, Todd Blotsky and Teresa Blotsky. My mother Betty Bartholomay lives close to us in West Fargo.

I have been employed at Holy Cross since 1989 and have enjoyed these19 years of many challenges the position has presented. To anyone who has been in my office knows that I am a die hard Bison Teammaker and Fan. My goal is to one day to attend a National Championship Game with the Bison coming out victorious. I love to spend my spare time in our flower garden. I also love to read relaxed on our back deck enjoying the many colors and quiet solitude.

Back to Staff Listing

Margaret Keller - Administrative Assistant
701-282-7217
mkeller@ideaone.net

Hi, I’m Margaret Keller, I am an Administrative Assistant here at Holy Cross. You will find me in the front office meeting and greeting all who come into the office. I have been very blessed with this position; it has allowed me the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people here at Holy Cross! I truly have found my home.

I am originally from Harvey, ND. My parents are Emanuel & Leona Volk, and I have 5 brothers and 3 sisters and countless nieces and nephews. I have been married to Darin Keller for almost 14 years. We have 2 daughters, Kassandra, and Casaundra & 3 sons, Eric, Brian and Joshua. We have 3 grandsons Kaden, Carter, (we also have guardianship of him), and Carson.

I’m a member of the adult choir, cantoring, Thursday @ Sunset, Eucharistic ministry & prayer blanket ministry and play volleyball in the Cross Way Center Volleyball League. I also work part time at West Acres Mall at Customer Service. I enjoy reading, family time and outdoors. If ever you are in the church, stop by and introduce yourself. I would love to meet you! I look forward to many more years here at Holy Cross.

Back to Staff Listing

Penne Soucy - Business Manager
701-282-7217
psoucy@ideaone.net

Hi, my name is Penne Soucy. I am the new Business Manager for Holy Cross.

I was born in Minot, but I lived in Fairview, Montana until the age of 12. At that time, we moved to Bismarck. I graduated from St. Mary’s Central High School. I attended North Dakota State University for 3 years and then transferred to the Minnesota State University, Moorhead to finish my BS degree in Elementary Education with a Child Development and Family Science minor.

My husband, Tom, and I have been married for 21 years. We have 2 daughters, Jessica and Michelle. My parents, Tim and Diane Lenertz, live in Bismarck. My sister plus my brother and his family all live in West Fargo.

In the summer, I enjoy campfires, camping, and boating. But my favorite season is winter! I love the snow. I also like watching movies or playing board games with family and friends. No matter the season, I love hanging out with my family and friends. I am involved in the Prayer Blanket ministry and Social Action.

Back to Staff Listing

Elly Holland - Communications Coordinator
701-282-7217
ellyhollandwf@msn.com

Hi, my name is Elly Holland. I am the editor of the bulletin and newsletter (and anything else they can think of for me to do). I love working at the church. It has brought me closer to my faith and the people I work with are now part of my family.

I married Tim Holland in 1987. He is a pharmacist at the Prescription shop in West Fargo. He has worked there forever. We have two children, Emily and Michael. We also have Bailey, a dog, who is a bichon/shitzu cross, she just turned 15. She is such a loving pet. She also knows she is SPOILED ROTTEN.

I was born and raised in West Fargo. I have 2 brothers and 2 sisters. My father and mother are in heaven. I was baptized and confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church. I graduated from West Fargo High School. I went on to attend NDSU, Moorhead Tech and Rita’s Beauty College. I worked for De Lendrecies Hair Salon and in 91, I started at Hair Success in Moorhead. I chose to stay home with my children after the birth of my son. I absolutely love being home with my kids. Believe it or not I look forward to being home with them all summer. I have helped with many activities for my children. I joined the Catholic church in 92, after my daughter was born.

I enjoy many activities such as; crafts, decorating, shopping (it’s therapeutic), Bison games and spending time with my family. I love helping and planning events at church. Especially Lenten Intergenerational, which I hope all of you will attend this year. Blessings to you and your families.

Back to Staff Listing

Andrew DeCock - Seminarian

701-282-7217

Hello Everyone! Now, some of you may have already met me but for those of you who have not, please allow me to introduce myself.

My name is Andrew DeCock and I am a new seminarian in this diocese. I am orginally from Fargo and was a life time member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. After graduation from Fargo North High School, I attended college at NDSU where I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in History and Speech Communications in 2003. Next, I went to Kanas State University in Manhattan, Kansas and earned a Master's Degree in History. In the fall of 2006, I packed up my bags and moved to Japan where I taught English to junior high school students. Since returning to the States this past July, I have been discerning my vocation to the priesthood and as a part of this process, I will be working and worshiping here with you at Holy Cross Catholic Church.

I'm looking forward to my time here with you and hope I will have a chance to get to meet you. If you ever see me around the parish, please don't hesitate to intoduce yourselves! I'm looking forward to talking with each and every one of you!

God Bless!

Back to Staff Listing

Kofi Avortri - Maintenance/Custodian
701-282-7217

Back to Staff Listing