Pastor ~ Fr. Kevin P. McCarthy
Fr. Kevin McCarthy has been the pastor of Saint Teresa of Avila Student Center since 1997. He has strong roots in Indiana, having grown up in Highland, earning his undergraduate degree at the University of Evansville, and having attended Saint Meinrad Seminary in Saint Meinrad, Indiana.
Since being ordained to the priesthood in 1989, Fr. Kevin has been assigned to Saint Bridget's in Hobart, Saint Thomas More in Munster and Nativity of Our Savior in Portage prior to becoming the pastor of Saint Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center in 1997.
Those who know Fr. Kevin quickly learn a few things about him. Most apparent are his sense of humor, his enthusiasm for bringing people closer to Christ, his passion for empowering people to lead, and his core belief that the only major league franchise in the city of Chicago is the White Sox.
Fr. Kevin is not only well-known by the community of Saint Teresa's, but also to those associated with the Chapel on the campus of Lutheran-affiliated Valparaiso University as well. This stems from another of his core beliefs, which is that of outreach and dialogue with members of all faiths.
For that reason and many more, Saint Teresa's is known for its welcoming spirit to those from other parishes and other faiths! |
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 Michelle Minich ~ Middle School Youth Minister
Michelle Minich is a VU alumni and former member of St. T’s! While at VU, she studied Psychology, Theology and Youth and Family Ministry. She also ran on the cross country and track teams and served with the youth and children at St. T’s. She met her husband, Nick, during their senior year teaching confirmation! After graduating, she moved to Pasadena, CA to attend Fuller Seminary and received an MA in Youth, Family and Culture. At Fuller, she also had the opportunity to work with the 5th and 6th grade students. After Fuller, she and her husband moved to Colorado where she served as the Middle School Youth Director. She will be working with the middle school students here at St. Teresa. She and Nick are thrilled to be back ‘home’ at Valpo and St. T’s and look forward to getting to know the community! | |
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Bob Marben ~ Deacon
 Deacon Bob Marben, along with his wife Karen, has been actively involved with St. Teresa of Avila for sixteen years. Together they have six children and three grandchildren. Bob was ordained on June, 4, 2011 and was assigned to St. T's along with pastoral work with the Diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adults. While completing his Masters in Pastoral Studies from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, he enjoyed his studies in Italy, along with his studies in Greece and Turkey which took him on the footsteps of St. Paul. Bob is not shy about his love of Scripture and how Christ is alive in our lives today...his mantra is, "What do you want me to do for you?" (Mk10:51) So just ask him!
 Kathy Condon ~Office Manager
Kathy was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana. She moved to Valparaiso with her family in November of 1972. Kathy is the proud mother of 6 children, 15 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Kathy has been a member of St. T's since April of 1994 and has been working at St.T's since January of 2001.
 Christine Harsh ~ Secretary
Christine has been a member of St. Teresa's since April of 2001 and employed as secretary since June of 2007. She was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana, graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington and moved to Valparaiso in 1998. Christine is a fan of college basketball and admits that it's hard to choose which team to cheer for...IU or Purdue!! She enjoys walking her dog Maci, working in her yard as well as watching "reality" TV!
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Carrie Shelhart ~ Director of Religious Educations and Youth Ministry 
Carrie grew up in lovey Lowell, Indiana with her parents and her two older sisters. She was an active member of St. Edward's. She recently graduated from Marian University in Indianapolis, Indiana. Carrie is a Cubs fan and admits that she is a bit competitive when is comes to sports. She loves to play volleyball and softball as well as paint, draw and design.
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Nathan Parlee ~ Music Director
 Nathan has served as director of music liturgy at St. Teresa of Avila since July 1, 2003. He is a 2000 graduate of Indiana University at Bloomington where he received his Bachelors Degree in Finance and Legal Studies from the Kelley School of Business as well as a minor in Psychology. In Bloomington, Nathan was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church, the Newman Center at IU, where he served in the music ministry under the direction of Lourdes Diaz-Johanson. Nathan recently received his Master Degree from Valparaiso University.
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John DeWyze ~ Campus Minister
John is originally from Arlington Heights, a northwest suburb of Chicago. As a result he is a Cubs fan!! Yes, another Cubs fan in the office! John did his undergraduate work at Iowa State and graduated with a degree in Religious Studies. He recently received his Masters in Theology from the University of Dayton. So, if you are ever looking for someone to play a game, watch the Cubs, pray, ask questions about the meaning of life, or learn more about God...John's your man!
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