Father Bill Swichtenberg
Pastor
cell: 920-422-4316
Father Bill has been serving as the Pastor of St. Mary Parish since 2014. While we may know Father as pastor, he also wears many other hats, including that of son, brother, uncle, great-uncle, theologian, scientist, and counselor. Before being ordained in 1983, Father Bill worked as a researcher at the Appleton Institute of Paper Chemistry. When asked about his role in the church, Father says, “my role is likened to that of a good shepherd. I lead – sometimes out in front, with hopes and dreams for our parish family – sometimes in the middle – just accompanying and listening to many voices – and sometimes in the rear on the lookout with a gentle heart for those who are hurting and feel isolated.”
When he isn’t caring for his flock, Fr. Bill loves to spend time outdoors, reading biographies, fiction, non-fiction and spirituality books. He also enjoys cooking, hiking, attending concerts and musicals, and of course…going on vacation!
“I hope and dream that we will become a family of faith who know, love and serve the Lord Jesus in each other and reach out far beyond our parish family boundary.”
Deacon Gerry Schraufnagel
cell: 920-540-9594
Deacon Gerry was ordained a permanent deacon by Bishop David Zubik for the Diocese of Green Bay in 2005. He was assigned to St. Mary parish and serves as Deacon, alongside Fr. Bill, sharing the Good News of the Gospel and assisting in the sacramental life of the church. He provides outreach of the church to the homebound, elderly, nursing homes, and those in need.
Gerry has been married to his wife, Jenny, for 41 years, and together they have three married children and 8 grandchildren. He is also the proud “dad” of 7 Global Outreach foreign exchange children and 5 grandchildren from central and eastern Europe.
In his free time, Deacon Gerry may occasionally be found on the golf course, travelling, or getting together with family and friends…especially around the fire pit.
Nadine Duncan
Director of Pastoral Administration; Minister of Pastoral Care & Outreach
Nadine has been a member of the parish leadership team since 2018 and currently serves in three roles. As Director of Pastoral Administration, she assists Fr. Bill in overseeing the Pastoral Team and works with the Pastoral Council, staff, and parish committees to carry out the parish’s strategic plan and goals. As Minister of Pastoral Care, she supports those who bring Holy Communion to parishioners who are homebound and to residents of area assisted living and nursing facilities. As Minister of Outreach, she supports parish ministries serving our neighbors on the margins, including Human Concerns, Matthew 25, and Care for Creation.
Nadine grew up in Milwaukee, while her husband, Rick, was raised in the Bronx. They met in New York and have been married for twenty-six years. In 2011, they moved to Wisconsin to be near Nadine’s parents during their final years. Rick is a retired teacher who now works part-time at Xavier High School, where his genuine care for his students has made him a beloved member of the school community.
Outside of her parish work, Nadine is a certified spiritual director in the Ignatian tradition, accompanying others as they seek to recognize God’s presence and movement in their lives, and an iconographer who finds peace in the slow, contemplative discipline of writing sacred icons. She also enjoys playing golf, gardening, and taking long walks at High Cliff State Park.
Chris Higgins
Director of Business Administration & Information Technology
Chris is an Appleton native, baptized here at St. Mary Parish and attended St. Mary School, graduating as part of the first class of Catholic Central. He is also a graduate of Xavier High School and did his undergraduate and graduate studies at Jesuit institutions, Marquette and Georgetown, respectively. He is a former Franciscan friar with the Third Order Regulars based in Loretto, PA.
Kristina Resterhouse
Administrative Assistant
Kristina Resterhouse started working at St. Mary in March of 2023. She was hired to take over Julies position that she had for many years here.
A little about Kristina is that she is married to a wonderful man and has two beautiful kids. She is obsessed with getting a great deal. You might see some of her good deals if you come visit her office!
She has been in administrative roles for 25 years and is excited to bring new things to the front office. She is excited to meet lots more of the parish family as you come into the office!
Lisa Lynch
Minister of Young Disciples
As minister of young disciples, Lisa’s role is to help the youth in our parish to grow in knowing, loving, and serving the Lord.
Her family joined St. Mary in 2021 after moving here from the suburbs of Atlanta. Her husband, Luis, works for Kimberly-Clark, and they have moved around quite a bit. In the past 21 years, they have lived in Ohio, Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia, so she knows firsthand what it's like to be the new parishioner!
Their daughter Michaela is a 2026 graduate from Xavier High School and will attend Illinois State University.
Lori also works as the Box Office Coordinator at the Xavier Fine Arts Theatre. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, trying new foods, going to the theatre, and playing board games.
Director of Liturgical Music
Tom has been sharing his musical talent with the St. Mary Parish community since 2003. In his role he is responsible for guiding and inspiring all who come to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass to pray to Our Lord through the music.
“My hope is that the music we sing is recognized by our community and that we sing the Gospel message and take that message with us wherever we go. My dream is that we, as a singing community of Faith, take ownership of what the church documents encourage us to do…to participate fully in word and song.”
Tom and his wife, Susan, have been married for 47 years! They have two adult children, one granddaughter, one grandson, and one dog. Tom received his Bachelors of Music degree from St. Norbert College and a Master’s Degree from the University of Miami (FL). He has also completed studies in Liturgy from Notre Dame University (IN). Tom was also a music educator for the Menasha Public Schools and has been an active church musician since the age of thirteen. He is an active soloist for weddings and funerals throughout the Valley and has been found (on occasion) playing at area assisted living facilities.
When not sharing his musical gifts with the parish, Tom enjoys reading (especially history), antiquing, composing music, and traveling.
Fun Fact about Tom…he was a Japanese Fulbright Scholar and was blessed to be sent to Japan to learn about their educational system. That experience allowed him to reciprocate with a Japanese Children’s Choir. It was the first time the Japanese Choir had ever come to the United States, and they came to the Menasha Schools.
Chip Acker
Cemetery Manager & Facilities Manager
Cemetery Phone: 920-882-4158
Chip has been a part of the St. Mary Parish team since 2018. He has a stepson, stepdaughter-in-law, stepdaughter-in-law, and two grandsons who he loves as his own. When not sharing his talents with the parish, you can find Chip studying scripture or out on the links enjoying his favorite pastime…golf! Prior to working at St. Mary Parish, Chip owned and operated an 18-hole golf course in central Wisconsin for 25 years and is a lifetime member of PGA of America.
“As Cemetery Manager I realize, for many non-parishioner families, this is the first impression they will have of St. Mary Parish. Many times this first impression is forged in the fire of overwhelming personal grief, confusion, and questioning of God. It is imperative that every effort is physically and spiritually made to minister comfort and compassion to those families certainly for the short term, but especially for the long term. The Cemetery is an absolutely vital ministry of the Spirit of God working through us as a church both as a ministry to parish members and the world at large.”
Chip’s hopes and dreams for the parish are that it becomes a place of discovery of who God has made us by His gifts and grace. To discover that we are made perfect in His eyes by the sacrifice of Jesus.
Tim Metnik
Head of Maintenance
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Over the past year, the Maintenance Department has remained committed to ensuring that all church facilities are safe, clean, and well-maintained to support our parish's spiritual, community, and administrative activities. As Maintenance Supervisor, Tim oversees the daily operations, coordinates routine upkeep, and responds promptly to urgent repair needs.
Mary Ellen Fisher
Bookkeeping Assistant
Mary Ellen is the person who keeps the cogs running in our financial and HR operations. She is key with regard to our financial recordkeeping. She also works closely with our Fellowship Committee, supporting so many community activities of the parish.
Izabella joined St. Mary Parish as a bookkeeper in November 2025. In her role, she helps with day-to-day financial tasks.
Outside of work, Izabella enjoys reading and spending time creating art. She is also a mom to a four-year-old son, and much of her time is centered around family. She stays close with her loved ones and regularly travels up north on the weekends to spend time together.