About
Us - Staff Bios
John
XXIII Staff
Fr.
Don Willette - frdoncw@john23.com
 Pastor
After
nine years of seminary training and formation from 1958
through the spring of 1967, I went in search of greener
grass as a Christian layman. Part of that included thirty
years in the United States Air Force: 15 as a Line Officer
and 15 as a chaplain. In a fifteen year period I also learned
a great deal about people with habits, longings, and desires
for life that goes beyond basic needs on this planet Earth.
In
my last career in the world of real estate, I rediscovered
my destiny for work and play in being called back to the
seminary in the Fall of 1980. It took a major car wreck
to get my attention, however. After ordination into the
priesthood in June of 1984, I have served as pastor in six
parishes. Currently, at Blessed John XXIII, God has fulfilled
my deepest longings and desires in University Ministry.
God is good – all time…and the people said:
all the time – God is good! I look forward to seeing
you on campus or at Blessed John XXIII.
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 Fr.
Francis Nwaiwu - frfrancis@john23.com
Associate
Pastor
Fr.
Francis grew up in Ugiri, Nigeria and moved to Umuahia as
a young adult. As a child he displayed interest in religious
life, as he would imitate the celebration of the Mass during
his playtime. His parents were supportive, but his father
was suspicious, only out of concern for the well-being of
his son.
Fr. Francis attended the regional seminary that provided
priestly formation for 6 dioceses. While he was studying
there, he was among 250 seminaries. Catholicism is a young
religion in the Nigerian region of Africa and displays the
vibrant exuberance of youth. Fr. Francis recently celebrated
his 25th anniversary of priesthood and misses Nigeria, but
is pleased to be in the USA.
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 Bobbie
Bonk - bbonk@comcast.net
Pastoral Operations Coordinator
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 Monica
Elsinger
University Minister
Monica Elsinger got
her first real taste of serving on an outreach team while
attending Northern State University. Retreats had impacted
her life, so she felt drawn to be on team to "share
the love." She traveled with NET Ministries for 2
seasons, and after her third year at NSU, transferred
to Franciscan University of Steubenville. After a semester
in Austria, she finished a double-major in Theology and
Mental Health. She worked for 10 years as a Youth Minister
and started "Stackin' Hands" Youth Ministry
Consultation and Outreach.
Monica gets stoked when students hunger for more of what
Christ has for them, and sees this most as a result of
retreats and "deeper" activities. Raised in
South Dakota on a small farm has helped her relish the
beauty of the Rockies, where she loves to hike, snowboard,
camp, play guitar, sing, and ride horse.
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 Joachim
Viens - JViens@lamar.colostate.edu
Theologian-In-Residence
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 Bridget
Mercier - bridget@john23.com
Youth Ministry Coordinator
I
grew up in Colorado as a child and have loved it ever since.
I’m thrilled to be back and adore the community at
J23. I’m very at home here.
I
graduated from the University of Portland in 2004 with a
degree in Sociology and an emphasis on Catholic Theology.
I have experienced the security of God in my own life and
cannot imagine doing any other work besides ministry for
my beloved Catholic family. I get such a high from learning
from our young people at J23 and sharing faith ways with
them. I hope to continue my work with the teens here for
quite some time as well as pursue further development for
myself through the diocesan Youth Ministry Certification
Program and the Just FAITH program here at J23. I also hope
to join the Diocesan Biblical School in the near future.
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 Jim
Reid - Voice mail 530-7920
Faith Formation Coordinator
I
came to work at John XXIII in the spring of 1971. Yes, that's
right...1971! My wife, Mary Alice, and I have three children
in their twenties. In addition to the religious education
work with elementary students and adults I also have a part
time practice as a counselor/therapist, I am a runner, gardener,
and a pretty big Bronco fan! Please contact me by phone,
rather than email. Call either the church at 484-3356 or
my voice mail at 530-7920.
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 Frank
Marino - frank@john23.com
Liturgical Ministry Coordinator
Hi!
My name is Frank Marino! I was born and raised in Chicago,
Illinois and moved to Fort Collins in 1987. My hobbies include
hiking, bicycling, fishing, camping, cooking and gardening.
I'm a member of Larimer County Partners, NCAS, Knights of
Columbus and the J23 Young Adults Group. By the way, did
I mention I have a dog named William?
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Bill McClellan - muirmack@frii.com
Deacon
After
eight years as an ordained deacon, I feel there's a special
grace in being called to this ministry of service, particularly
the area of social justice. As a grateful Christian, my
faith directs my whole life.
On
occasion I like to take a single word and try to make a
complete sentence out of it. After doodling with the word
"millennium" I came up with the following phrase:
Mindfulness Initiates Loss of Large Egos Nudging Novices
Into Unfettered Mysticism.
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 Arlene
Miller - aekosmicki@juno.com
Main Office Receptionist
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Ron
Martinez
Maintenance
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