Our Staff
Our staff is devoted to the parish, because they believe in our mission of growing the Church, and forming growing disciples. Their role is to help provide an environment in which members can grow in their love of Christ, and use their God-given gifts to help others do the same. And they do this with a smile; after all, what we have to share is "good news of great joy."
(Luke 2:10)
Father Paul Haverstock, Pastor
Fr. Paul became our parochial administrator in 2020 and was installed as pastor on July 4, 2021. He was ordained a priest by Archbishop Hebda in 2016 and spent his first year of priesthood finishing theological studies in Rome. Once back home, Fr. Paul spent three years as the parochial vicar of the Parish of Saints Joachim and Anne in Shakopee before being assigned to St. Gabriel.
"There is no doubt in my mind that God’s providence has led me here. I grew up in Eden Prairie, but my family attended Zion Lutheran Church right here in Hopkins. Not once did I ever imagine that I would find myself back in Hopkins as a Catholic priest, serving one mile from where I was baptized. Only God could have planned this. I am delighted to be your pastor."
Deacon Francis Tangney
Deacon Francis was ordained a Permanent Deacon in 1996. Following ordination, he was assigned to St Joseph, and continues to serve St. Gabriel. In addition to assisting at Mass and preaching from time to time, he considers his main ministry assisting at funeral Masses and then joining the family at the cemetery for the burial prayers.
Deacon Darrel Branch
Deacon Darrel has served at St. Gabriel the Archangel since 2013. He joined St. John the Evangelist in 1968, and was ordained a Permanent Deacon in 2004. He and his wife, Chris, have a heart for walking with those in need, especially by coordinating Loaves and Fishes (a ministry which serves free, healthy food to those in need four days a week at the Mainstreet campus), and facilitating support groups for couples who are struggling with infertility issues. They are also responsible for Baptism preparation.
Lori Thul, Parish Business Administrator
Lori joined the staff at St. Gabriel in October 2018. She was
the Parish Administrator at St. Anastasia in Hutchinson, MN, for 20 years
prior. Lori holds an undergrad degree in fine arts from St. Catherine's, a
masters in business communications from St. Thomas, and a masters in pastoral
ministry from St. Mary's. She is also an Accredited Business Communicator with IABC. Needless to say, Lori likes to always keep learning,
and has the goal of providing a firm foundation for St. Gabriel to achieve
its gospel mission.
Eric Duffert, Parish Life & Operations Manager
Before joining St. Gabriel, Eric gained experience in office operations, travel sales, and student management with companies throughout the twin cities. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in film and media arts from the University of Tampa and is an avid movie buff, trivia player, and music connoisseur. It was through the witnessing of his brother becoming a priest, a further deepening of prayer and study (and not to mention lots of help from the Holy Spirit) that led him to discern working for the Church in the mission of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. It has been a joy for Eric to combine his burgeoning faith with his penchant for operational management and communications, and he is excited to be a part of St. Gabriel in this time of great change and growth!
Breck McGough, Director of Sacred Music & Liturgy
Starting May 22, 2023:
Breck McGough is a singer, conductor, and composer whose works have premiered at national and international film and music festivals. He holds degrees in humanities, vocal music education, and composition and is currently finishing his doctoral studies in church music at Baylor University. Breck has been a church musician for most of his life and looks forward to working with the community of St. Gabriel to cultivate a dynamic music program that emphasizes the beauty and depth of the liturgy. While not making music, Breck enjoys reading, running, and baking too much bread with his wife, Laurelin.
Andrew Allen, Director of Evangelization & Catechesis
Andrew began serving at St. Gabriel in July 2021. He assists the pastor in the evangelization & catechesis of the parish in collaboration with the Handmaids of the Heart of Jesus. This includes implementing a pathway of discipleship, overseeing sacramental preparation, RCIA, youth/adult faith formation, and organizing retreats, missions, pilgrimages, and service opportunities.
Andrew received his formation and education at the
University of St. Thomas, receiving a B.A. in Catholic Studies (2009), and an
M.A. in Theology (2013). From 2013-2021, he served as the Director of Children
& Adult Faith Formation at St. Bartholomew in Wayzata. He lives with his
wife, Michelle, and their two daughters, Eloise and Lyla, in Plymouth.
Teresa Edalí Mendez, Directora del Ministerio Latino
Teresa asiste al pastor sirviendo al Ministerio Latino en la parroquia, que incluye la formación de fe para los programas en español, pastoral familiar, evangelización, preparación sacramental, RICA, organización de retiros, capacitaciones y oportunidades de servicio, etc.
Ella estudió medicina en la Universidad de Guadalajara, tiene un Certificado en Ministerio Laico de la Universidad de St. Thomas, asistió a la Escuela de Oración del Instituto Catequético, sirvió en el V Encuentro y el Sínodo Arquidiocesano. Junto a su esposo, es instructora certificada de planificación natural de la familia y ministro de sanación.
Vive con su esposo, José, y sus cinco hijos, Omar, Clara, Emily, Giancarlo y Daniel en Wayzata. Es miembro de St. Gabriel hace 15 años.
Handmaids of the Heart of Jesus
Sr. Anastasia (left in photo) and Sr. Margaret Joy (right in photo), members of the Handmaids of the Heart of Jesus, serve at St. Gabriel's in a variety of ministries, including Faith Formation for youth and adults, care of the sacristies, homebound visits, retreats, etc. For more information about the Handmaids, click here.
