Katie Berndt
I’ve been a member of St. Mary of the Lake for 15 years. During that time, I’ve felt called to progressively become more involved in the church. This is my sixth-year teaching Faith Formation (fifth time teaching sixth grade). I am currently serving on our Parish Council and a regular lector at 9:15 a.m. mass. My husband, Aaron, and I have two children: Elise (8th grade) and Thomas (6th grade). I work full-time at a marketing agency in Minneapolis. In my spare time, I enjoy running, biking, playing games with my kids, and hanging out with friends and family.

Jennifer Clark
My husband, Jon, and our three spirited kids Adele 11, Tommy 9, and Sam 6 live in Minnetonka.  We have an overgrown puppy and two opinionated cats who add even more joy and fluff to our busy days.  When I'm not wrangling my chaos crew, I like to spend time outside, bake, and work on house projects.  I work as a structural engineer in building design for a small local firm.  I look forward to connecting with my own faith while serving as a faith formation teacher.  


My name is Natalie Wesely.  My husband, Jay, and I live in Golden Valley and have two kids:  Palmer (9) and Harriet (5)..and a puppy named Bruce. I am from the Chicago area; I moved to MN for college and then stayed for Target Corporation, where I have worked for 20 years. I started teaching Faith Formation last year, and am excited to get to know the kids in 3D this time around. I also serve on the Parish council and would love to meet more of you…please say hello when you see me at mass!


Sara Stark

Hello 3rd Grade parents! It was a beautiful summer morning and I was sitting in the pew at Mass at St Mary of the Lake when I heard "the call" - the call of Fr Lybarger for more volunteers to assist with the Faith Formation program. Like everyone else, I went home and mulled over my existing family, school, work and other obligations for a few days... and then decided that I would volunteer anyway. I truly believe that faith formation is the most important thing that we can do for our children as well as ourself. As St Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:24, "Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win." I'm excited for the leg of the race that I am embarking on with your child and hope that you will also take advantage of opportunities to engage with your son or daughter to encourage their spiritual development. Each session of our program will focus on an Essential Question - meaningful, faith-focused questions that encourage inquiry and exploration into core aspects of what we believe as Catholics - and I challenge you to take a few minutes each week at home (during a meal, driving to practice, etc) to discuss the question of the week and demonstrate by your example that it is our lifelong mission to seek to know, love and serve the Lord.

A little bit about me: My husband and I are both non-natives to Minnesota and met playing pick-up volleyball at the University of Minnesota Newman Center. We've been living in Plymouth and parishioners at St Mary of the Lake for the past 9 years and are actively raising our two young boys. My paying job involves working as a data analyst for a local insurance company and my hobbies include keeping Legos sorted into sets, destroying creeping Charlie (in a non-toxic manner), worrying about my children and volunteering.

My name is Jean Abbott.  I am an inspirational speaker and author, but more importantly, I am the mom of three amazing kids (Winona 19, Sharon 17 & John 9).  I’ve had the privilege of teaching religious education classes for both of my daughters when they were in grade school.  Now that they are more independent, I have the time to do the same for my youngest.  My faith in God has gotten me through some really challenging times.  I want our 4th graders to know that with God by our side, we can get through anything.

My name is Caitlin Wright.  My husband, Matt and I have two awesome kids.  Jack is in third grade and Cami is in first grade at Sunset Hill.  We moved to Minnesota from Chicago at the beginning of this year.  We live in Minnetonka and my husband works for Cargill.  We are both originally from Ohio.

I am assisting in the second grade classroom.  I previously taught Faith Formation classes at my last Church and am also a former first/second grade teacher.  I now stay home with my two children but love volunteering and working with children.  I am excited to spend Wednesday evenings getting to know your children and teach them about Jesus. I also feel blessed that I get to be a part of your child's First Communion and Reconciliation. 


My name is Christine McCoy and I have been a parishioner of St. Mary's for about 19 years. My husband Kris and I have four children; a junior and sophomore at Luther College in Decorah, IA, a freshman at Wayzata High School and a seventh grader at Wayzata East Middle School.  I feel truly blessed to be a part of this community and to have the opportunity to help guide our youth as they work towards their Confirmation. I am super excited to help everyone navigate this very special year as we grow in faith and strengthen our relationship with God! 

My name is Mary Fletcher Olson and I'll be partnering with my daughter, Christine McCoy, to teach the Confirmation Class again this year.  I've been a parishioner of St. Mary's for over 20 years.  My husband Rick and I live in Plymouth and we are both retired.  We have two grown children and are blessed with six grandchildren; varying in ages from 9 to 21.  I am thankful every day for blessing me with this faith community here at St. Mary’s and humbled by all the good work it does in the community.  I love the varied volunteer opportunities that it offers me, especially that of helping with the young people as they continue their faith journey through Confirmation.  I’m excited for this year and getting to know all of you. 



Rozanne Pollack
Married with 2 married daughters and 4 grandchildren. Retired after working for 32 years in a social services agency. My husband and I have been members of St Mary’s of the Lake for 5 years after moving to this area from St Cloud. I am excited to assist with Faith Formation as I feel a need to give back as a way to show how much I appreciated those that gave their time to help my children learn their faith when they were young.

Hey y’all, I’m Stephy Polipnick. I live in Golden Valley and have been a member of St. Mary’s for about 2 years now. I am a senior accountant at Rayus Radiology, but when I am not working I enjoy walking around the various parks in the area, reading, and doing puzzles. I also am and avid fan of the Twins and all things Disney. This is my first year helping out with Faith Formation, and I am so excited work with the children and help them grow their love for Jesus.