Fr. Stephen Ingram Pastor (972)231-2951 X 1005

Fr. Stephen grew up in Austin in a small Catholic parish that was founded the year he was born. He attended Catholic schools in Austin from 1st grade through high school. In his parish and school, he sang in the choir and served as an altar server and sacristan.

In 2005, Fr. Stephen moved to Richardson to attend the University of Texas at Dallas, where he got an engineering degree. During his college years, he served at All Saints in youth ministry, where he grew closer to Christ through prayer and service. In Eucharistic adoration one evening, the Spirit of God called him into the seminary, where he discovered his vocation to the priesthood and a zeal for teaching the Word of God and the richness of our Christian faith.

He was ordained in Dallas by Bishop Burns in May 2018 and was assigned to Prince of Peace in Plano, where he served for 4 years. In his time in priestly ministry, he has seen the amazing ways in which God is active, transforming hearts and minds through the presence of the Holy Spirit. He prays that we may all be instruments of God's loving Providence, sharing his blessings with the world.

As pastor of St. Joseph, he hopes to be a witness of God’s guidance and love to the people who have been entrusted to him in imitation of our patron.

Fr. César García Parochial Vicar (972)231-2951 X 1006

Fr. César was born in Encinitas, California, and grew up in Dallas, Tx. He attended Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas. Briefly attended St. Mary's University before God called him into the seminary. He did his philosophical studies at St. Joseph Seminary at St. Benedict, Louisiana. His theological studies were done at The Catholic University of America, Washington, Dc at Theological College Seminary. Some of his great passions are Jesus, parish ministry and sports, especially soccer, basketball, baseball, and volleyball.

Fr. Joseph Nedumankuzhiyil

Fr. Joseph Nedumankuzhiyil goes by Saju Joseph to close friends and family. He was born in India in 1974 in the state of Kerala, a beautiful state with myriads of mountains, valleys, and rivers. Going to daily mass and serving as altar boy from the age of 8 sparked his interest in becoming a priest. He completed high school in his hometown then he moved to the Malankara Catholic Seminary to study. He completed seminary in 1999 and was ordained a priest for the diocese of Trivandrum on December 27, 1999. 

Fr. Joseph served in nine parishes in seven years. In 2007 he came to the USA as the secretary to the bishop, chancellor, and parish priest to a parish in New York. He served as associate pastor in the dioceses of New York and Rockville Center. He was assigned to the Malankara Catholic Church in Dallas in 2011. He became chaplain at UT Southwestern hospital and a resident priest at Good Shepherd Catholic Church and later St. Michael the Archangel. On July 1, 2019, he came to St. Joseph as resident priest while continuing as full-time chaplain at UT Southwestern Hospital. 

Fr. Joseph is the third child; he has two brothers and one sister. His siblings are all in Salalah, Oman; his parents are in India. Fr. Joseph’s greatest happiness is celebrating Holy Mass. 

Deacon Randy Engel  (972)231-2951

Deacon Randy Engel was born and raised in Orange County, California.  His bride of 60 years, and partner in ministry, is the former Lois B­ourgeois of New Orleans. He is a veteran and a graduate of the University of California, Irvine, where he earned degrees in physics and mathematics. Deacon Randy was a manager of BellSouth Corp until his retirement. He converted from the Baptist/Methodist faith of his childhood. In 1978  he entered diaconal formation and was ordained in 1983 for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. After ordination Deacon Randy served in parochial ministry, for 19 years, at St. Lawrence the Martyr parish in Metairie, LA. In 2002, they moved to Richardson where he commenced service to the people of St. Joseph. Deacon Randy was incardinated into the Diocese of Dallas in 2008. His diaconal responsibilities include coordination of Liturgical Ministries, as well as direct ministry to the people of St. Joseph. 

Deacon Richard Nelson

Grew up in a small town in Northeastern La. called Lake Providence. Attended St. Patrick Catholic School through eight grade and graduated from Lake Providence High School in 1966. Attended Northeast Louisiana University and graduated in 1971 with a degree in Construction. Was commissioned in the U.S Army upon graduation. Married Sherry Copeland in November of 1971 and moved to Dallas. Worked in construction industry for the last 47 years. Currently retired after 48 years in the construction industry. Father of two daughters who both live in the DFW area. 

Ordained in 2013 as a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Dallas. Served for five and one half years at All Saints in Dallas and transferred to St. Joseph in July of 2018. Currently serve with Sherry as a mentor couple for the 2020 deaconate class. Also serve on the St. Philip/St. Augustine diocesan school board. Run a Bible study course for St. Jude homeless shelter. I am also the director of RCIA for St. Joseph. 

Deacon John Carlisle

Deacon John is a 3rd generation native Texan. Born in Houston, he moved to the Panama Canal Zone when his father accepted a position as a Panama Canal pilot. He then went to Austin and graduated from UT with a BA in Government and a minor in English. Then, it was off to law school where he graduated with a JD from the University of Houston Law Center. While practicing law in Houston, he met Mary Ann and her 4 daughters. After Mary Ann’s husband was killed in an automobile accident, they married and are celebrating their 39th anniversary this December. In addition to their 4 daughters, they have 7 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson. Deacon John left private practice and joined the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation as a litigation attorney. This led him to posts in Midland, Orlando, Atlanta, Dallas, and most recently, Washington, DC. He has now retired and returned to Dallas after almost 30 years of federal service and 43 years as a lawyer.

Deacon John was ordained in 2013 along with Deacons Tim Vineyard and Richard Nelson. He initially served at St. Francis of Assisi parish in Frisco before moving to northern Virginia at the end of 2015. He spent the last 4+ years at St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Springfield, VA as its only deacon. While there, he was heavily involved in RCIA, Adult Confirmation classes, baptism and marriage preparation, Knights of Columbus, and assisted the Hispanic community with various celebrations and sacraments (so long as he could read from a script – he reads Spanish, but does not know Spanish). He also sat on the parish and finance council

Deacon Michael Hastings

Ten years ago, Deacon Michael and his wife Kathleen, moved to the great state of Texas from beautiful Michigan. They have been parishioners at St. Joseph for a short time and have felt the warmth and love of a vibrant, diverse community. 

They have been married 37 years and are parents to two adult children and five grandkids (the joy of their lives). Both of their kids are University of Dallas graduates. Stephanie, and her family live in Redlands California while Alex and his family live in Alexandria, Virginia. 

Deacon Michael has a degree in Physiology from Michigan State University and works as an operations manager for a small construction company. His hope is to transition in the future to serving as a hospital chaplain or wherever God calls him to serve. Kathleen is a CPA, working for the Diocese of Dallas.  

Back in Michigan, Kathleen and Deacon Michael founded and operated a bio engineering company that developed analysis software used world-wide in pharmaceutical and bio-defense research. For 25 years it was a thriving, exciting, successful company and career. Unfortunately, they lost the company in the 2008 recession when they were forced to sell the business at a loss. This life-changing event brought them many challenges to overcome.  

His discernment to the diaconate began over 20 years ago back in Michigan. After a couple of years in diaconate formation, he discerned-out, so that he could devote more time with his family working in the pro-life movement.  

However, the calling to the diaconate continued through the years. After moving to Texas, and during a prayer of gratitude, he asked God why we had been through all of these challenges-turned-blessings. God answered that his unique experiences and challenges have prepared him to serve others better. A few years later Kathleen and Deacon Michael started the six-year journey of formation to where he is today. A newly ordained Deacon with a desire to be full of the Holy Spirit, to listen, serve, and bring the Good News of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit to his brothers and sisters. 

Deacon Hector Rodriguez

Stacey Peterson Liturgy Coordinator (972)231-2951 X 1002

Stacey was born in Watertown, South Dakota and moved to Texas with her daughter in 2010.  Stacey received her Elementary Education degree from Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota. She has been a valued volunteer at St. Anthony’s in Wylie, Our Lady of the Lake in Rockwall and St. Martin of Tours in Forney.  She was honored with the Bishops Award for Service in 2018.  Being active in the church was learned at an early age when she was a member of her church choir, she was the first female altar server allowed in their small parish and finally when she became a lector. Stacey and her daughter spend most free weekends at the softball fields and watching movies.  She also has written three books, enjoys watching her Midwest professional sports teams, reading and learning new recipes. Being able to work at St. Joseph’s is a beautiful opportunity to grow in stewardship and be an example for her daughter.

Carol Savedra Music Director (972)841-8352

Carol was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and moved to Texas in 1997. She received a Bachelor of Music degree with a double major of music education and vocal performance, from the Avila University in Kansas City. Carol began employment with St. Joseph in 1999, as the parish organist/pianist, and was named director of music in November 2019. She loves sports (as a spectator only), especially her beloved Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals. In her spare time, she loves to read and cook. Carol is married to Stanley Savedra, and has one son, Christopher Brown, who lives in Richardson.

Brian Muth Director of Business Operations (972)231-2951 X 1004

Brian Muth is very excited to be joining a vibrant St. Joseph parish after 18 years in Catholic educational leadership. He grew up a cradle Catholic in California, the eighth of ten children. His parents co-founded a Catholic school and home school program. Brian graduated from the school and later ran both the school and the home school. 

Brian attended the University of Dallas (Go Crusaders!), graduating with a degree in Politics. He met the love of his life, Deana Dulac, while at UD, and they married after graduation. After a brief stint in law school, they settled in Southern California and started a family. They have been married for almost thirty-one years and have nine wonderful children.

While in Southern California, Brian received his MBA from the University of Southern California. They later lived in Wylie, TX and Napa, CA. He has held a variety of positions, from paralegal with a leading pharmaceutical company to Director of Marketing for a premier legal publisher. In 2017 Brian and Deana decided to return to Texas, and Brian worked as the Director of Admission and Financial Aid at Bishop Dunne before coming to St. Joseph.

While they were never parishioners at St. Joseph, Brian and his family have long had a connection to the parish. Deana’s family settled in Garland in 1984, and they have been parishioners at St. Joseph ever since. Brian, Deana and their children attended Mass at St. Joseph whenever they visited Texas. Over the years they have seen the growth of the parish, along with its beautification, the various improvements, and the incredible diversity. St. Joseph truly reflects the universal Church! Brian looks forward to continuing to serve the Church at this wonderful parish for many years.

Olga Gilbert Office Manager

Born and raised in Ecuador, Olga arrived in the USA eight years ago. She, her husband, two children, and dog have found a home in Rowlett, Texas. After working for CCFC at the Diocese of Dallas and Catholic Charities, she has been blessed to find a place here at Saint Joseph. Her background in banking, organizational processes, ISO 9001 quality standards, hospitality, and case management will help serve our wonderful and dynamic parish community. Back in Guayaquil, Ecuador, she was the Board Chair of an international school community where Ecuadorians, Americans, Koreans, Indians, and other nationalities got together for the good of their students. She loves to cook, and learned different cuisines, thanks to some of the great friends she still has from that time. Olga enjoys the culinary richness of Mexico, particularly after living there for four years. She reconnected with her Catholic faith after an ACTS retreat in 2015. Since there, she has had the urgency to serve our Amazing Father at any available time. She’s participated in ACTS English and Spanish and St. Vincent de Paul at St. Paul the Apostle. A significant piece of her heart belongs to Arise Worship Ministry based in Mary Immaculate. Abide by Saint Joseph's spirit of service, kindness, and responsibility; she will do her very best to support all of our ministerial efforts to grow the Kingdom of God and shine the glorious goodness of Christ in our neighbor. She is looking forward to being an active member of Saint Joseph and seeing all of you in the hallways, services, and Masses.

Gaby De La Rosa Receptionist
(972)231-2951

Gaby De La Rosa was born in Mexico, and her family moved to Dallas when she was 15. She has one son who lives in South Carolina. Gaby enjoys reading and learning about saints and our Catholic faith. During her free time she goes on hikes and spends time meditating. She was born and raised Catholic. Her grandmother greatly influenced her prayer life and was the one who taught her to always turn to God and our Blessed Mother. As an adult, she became the regular Catholic that went to Mass on Sundays and Precept days, but at some point in her life felt that it wasn’t enough for her. One day she prayed the Rosary and asked God what else there was for her and that same day her life took a 360-degree turn. After that she found herself serving and then working for the church. She loves St. Joseph and its multicultural community, to her it is an example of the Universal Church.

Michelle Doan Database Coordinator (972)231-2951 X 1079

Michelle was born in Vietnam and grew up in Garland, TX.  She graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a degree in Computer Science.  She began working at St. Joseph in 2018 as Database Coordinator. Michelle enjoys working at the church and spending time with her children.

Alfredo Ramirez Director of Adult Faith Formation

Alfredo was born in Ciudad Valles, Mexico. He graduated with a bachelor’s in health sciences and has certifications in teaching and administration. Alfredo also has a certification on Natural Family Planning. In 2010 he moved to Dallas working in healthcare tending to people with disabilities. At the same time, he was involved in many ministries in the Diocese such as the Catholic Prolife ministry and jail ministry (Lew Sterrett Justice Center). He enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, cycling, reading books about saints and movies. 

Deacon Richard Nelson Director of RCIA

Grew up in a small town in Northeastern La. called Lake Providence. Attended St. Patrick Catholic School through eight grade and graduated from Lake Providence High School in 1966. Attended Northeast Louisiana University and graduated in 1971 with a degree in Construction. Was commissioned in the U.S Army upon graduation. Married Sherry Copeland in November of 1971 and moved to Dallas. Worked in construction industry for the last 47 years. Currently retired after 48 years in the construction industry. Father of two daughters who both live in the DFW area. 

Ordained in 2013 as a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Dallas. Served for five and one half years at All Saints in Dallas and transferred to St. Joseph in July of 2018. Currently serve with Sherry as a mentor couple for the 2020 deaconate class. Also serve on the St. Philip/St. Augustine diocesan school board. Run a Bible study course for St. Jude homeless shelter. I am also the director of RCIA for St. Joseph. 

Maria Callejas Director of Family & Adult Ministry (972)231-2951 X 1056

Maria was born in Miami, Florida, but lived most of her life between Ecuador & Nicaragua. She has been involved in church ministry and volunteering since an early age. In high school she was volunteered as a catechist. While at Texas A&M she was an active member of the Catholic student group as well as a member of Opus Dei. After college she worked as a news producer for various television news outlets in Atlanta, Georgia, and New York City. She relocated to Texas in 2016 with her husband and their daughter Clara. Elisa joined the family in November of 2018. Maria leads the Family Ministry as the director, serving the various needs of the families, from sacramental preparation to social family-centered events.

Katie Smith Director Discipleship & Engagement (972)231-2951

Katie was born in Houston, TX and raised in College Station. Katie is the youngest of 3 children, and loves spending time with her family, especially her nephew! She graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2013. During her time in college, Katie spent her summers working as a camp counselor at The Pines Catholic Camp. It was during these summers that Katie recognized her passion for ministry. After college, Katie served as a missionary with NET Ministries for 3 years, ministering to teens around the nation. Katie began working for St. Joseph as the Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry in 2016. Through her own experience with youth ministry, Katie encountered the person of Christ in a tangible way during a retreat in middle school. Since that time, her journey has been filled with ups and downs, but her love for ministry stems from her deep conviction that life with Christ brings great joy & fulfillment.

Christie McGee Director of Children’s Faith Formation (972)231-2951

Christy Quintanilla Catechesis of the Good Shepherd & Pre-School Faith Formation Coordinator

Christy was born in Coleman, Tx, and grew up in Abilene, Tx. She has a BS in Early Child Development from Texas Tech University and holds multiple teaching certificates in Texas: pre-k-6th grade, ESL, special education, and a gifted and talented endorsement. Before moving to Dallas, Christy started and ran a preschool for a company in Lubbock. After moving to Dallas in 2002 Christy taught in a variety of schools, including a multiage classroom at The Science Place School, pre-k in Richardson ISD, and 3rd grade with a K12 online charter school. Christy began as the preschool coordinator in 2010. In 2019 she began Catechesis of the Good Shepherd here at St. Joseph.  Her husband, Will, is an active member of the Knights. They have 3 daughters: Alia, Teya, and Shya. You will often see them around the parish!

Ojas Inamdar Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry (972)692-4521

Ojas grew up in Sugar Land, Tx. He has A bachelor’s degree in history from Texas Tech University. After graduating, Ojas took a year to do Missionary work in East Texas at The Pines Catholic Camp. Ojas has been a part of the St. Joseph Family for four years as the Associate Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry as well as coordinating the Livestream during this Pandemic. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and Adult Volleyball league here at the church. A few of his hobbies include reading, playing soccer, and going camping. You can usually find him winning at ping pong in the youth center.

David Sanchez Associate Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry (972)692-4521

Mercedes Mendiola Youth & Young Adult Ministry Assistant

Born and raised here in Dallas her whole life. In 2015, she graduated from John Paul II High School. Mercedes comes from a very big and close family. One of the reasons for her love of faith is her grandmother, Carmen DeEspinoza Mendiola, who she holds highly in her heart. She loves spending time with her family and when she is not with them, she is up here in the church helping! The welcoming parishioners and environment is why she calls the parish her home. She continues to grow in her faith and work alongside our youth in their journey into their faith and witnessing all the great accomplishments and love of Christ in their lives. On a personal note, she is a big LA fanatic. She loves her Los Angeles Lakers, Dodgers, and Rams! She enjoys exercising, is in the Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministry, and once had a pet pig named Janis. Mercedes enjoys learning and asking many questions. St. Joseph is her home and she looks forward to seeing all that God has in store for her here and in the future!

Ingrid Arredondo Associate Director of Family and Adult Ministry (972) 692-4569

Ingrid was born in Mexico City, México. She is a twin and they were raised in a Catholic family. She attended a Catholic School until she graduate from the UTCA with a degree in Tourism and Business. She married Giovanni and moved to Dallas, Texas, in 2005. They have four kids: Giovanni, Andrea, Christa, and Mia; her youngest daughter attended Little Disciples, which led to Ingrid and her husband helping in the Wedding Ministry and RCIA. Ingrid joined the St. Joseph team in 2020 with the Marriage and Family ministry. 

Ingrid loves reading, traveling and helping others, which has become her main focus in all areas of her life. 

Cindy Pupo Administrative Associate for Children's Ministry (972)690-5588

Cindy was born in Ashland, Pennsylvania and grew up in Mt. Carmel, Pennsylvania. She is the youngest of seven children. Cindy has a BS in Business Economics from Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania. She is married to her husband Joe for 27 yrs. She has 4 daughters: Tabitha, Emily, Madeline and Samantha. She has one grandchild on the way! Before working as an Assistant for Children’s faith formation, Cindy was a volunteer for the program for 14 years. She also is a preschool teacher for Little Disciples! She loves spending time with her family and her two miniature dachshunds Rascal and Honey.

Adela Cristan Administrative Assistant Children’s Ministry (972)690-5588

Fran Thompson St. Joseph Catholic School Principal

Christy Quintanilla Director of Communications

Christy was born in Coleman, Tx, and grew up in Abilene, Tx. She has a BS in Early Child Development from Texas Tech University and holds multiple teaching certificates in Texas: pre-k-6th grade, ESL, special education, and a gifted and talented endorsement. Before moving to Dallas, Christy started and ran a preschool for a company in Lubbock. After moving to Dallas in 2002 Christy taught in a variety of schools, including a multiage classroom at The Science Place School, pre-k in Richardson ISD, and 3rd grade with a K12 online charter school. Christy began as the preschool coordinator in 2010. In 2019 she began Catechesis of the Good Shepherd here at St. Joseph.  Her husband, Will, is an active member of the Knights. They have 3 daughters: Alia, Teya, and Shya. You will often see them around the parish!

Amanda Buendia Communications Coordinator

Amanda was born in Dallas, Tx, and raised in Garland, Tx. She attended Good Shepherd Catholic School, Bishop Lynch High School, and graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in Business Marketing. Her whole life she has been involved in sports such as basketball, volleyball, track, and flag football. In her spare time, she loves singing, writing, and listening to all genres of music. She absolutely adores animals and has two pets of her own. Born and raised in the Catholic church, she served as an altar server for about 8 years. Through that she was able to understand her relationship with the church and how she can apply her faith through everyday life.