Staff

Fr. Dan began as Pastor at Newman July 1, 2020.  Ordained in 1998, he holds a doctorate in Sacred Liturgy from the Pontifical Institute of Liturgy in Rome.  He taught courses and worked in seminary formation for ten years at Conception Seminary College in northwest Missouri.  He worked for the US Bishops’ Conference in Washington, DC in their Divine Worship Secretariat and upon returning to the diocese, was named Pastor of two parishes in Linn and Frankenstein.  He grew up on a farm, the fourth of five children, and still has the farm boy work ethic, though his passion now is scripture and liturgy.  Hanging out with good friends and family is a favorite way to relax.  He loves to see people grow in their faith, but also just loves people.  He has a great appreciation for Newman’s tradition of justice and volunteerism.

Favorite thing about Newman:  Connecting with people, especially in the Sacraments, but anytime.

Rev. Fr. Joseph Luzindana was born in 1966 to Mr. & Mrs. Peter Makombe of Mityana (both deceased), a small town south-west of Kampala, Uganda (East Africa). He was the 7th and last born in a family of six boys and one girl. His parents were peasant farmers who raised their children with sound Catholic and strict moral values. This humble family was poor in material possessions but very rich in faith. Fr. Joseph was ordained on August 10th, 2002, for the Archdiocese of Kampala. Since his ordination, he has founded two Catholic High Schools, along with youth centers as well. Fr. Joseph has a strong background in the performing arts, such as music, both choir and instrumental, and acting. These talents have aided him well in ministering to the youths in the dioceses he has served in. He has a strong devotion to Mother Mary, Divine Mercy, and St. Joseph. He has made pilgrimages to several Shrines of Our Lady and various saints worldwide.

He is very grateful for the opportunity to minister in the Jefferson City Diocese, and he considers this a special moment of spiritual growth in his faith and ministry, in obedience to the bishop, in collaboration with the clergy and in solidarity with, and at the total disposition of the faithful and all people of good will in Missouri. He comes to this Diocese in humility and readiness to learn and serve. He asks for your prayers and fraternal support in this journey of faith.

Deacon Frank is married to Laura and has one married son and one tremendous grandson here in Columbia. He is from SE New York (don’t look for an accent) and attended Catholic schools K-12. He graduated from Cornell (BS/Horticulture), Penn State (BS/Meteorology), and Central MO State University (MS/Safety Management). He spent 28+ years in the U.S. Air Force and retired to Columbia in 1996, when they joined the parish. He’s worked in a bagel shop, for the City of Columbia (Recycling), and the Department of Revenue (Motor Vehicle Bureau.) After a military career based on service, the diaconate was a logical next step in his life. Frank was ordained in May 2007 and was assigned to the Newman Center where he does baptismal and marriage prep, and, when that fails, he also does annulments. Additionally, Frank does weekly communion services at two senior care facilities in town.

Favorite thing about Newman: The people who make up the Newman Community! “They inspire me — that’s why I serve; it’s certainly not for the pay! As Dorothy stated in the Wizard of Oz: ‘There’s no place like home.’ Newman is my home!”

Rebecca has been blessed to live in a number of different places across the country before landing in CoMo. She got her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Franciscan University of Steubenville and her Masters in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University. After getting her degree, her dream position was always to work in a parish setting surrounded by incredible people and pastoral staff. This went unrealized for years, until finding a home at Newman. Rebecca now works as the director of pastoral counseling, as well as the head of adult faith formation.

Favorite Thing About Newman: The office dog.

Angelle joined the Newman staff as the Director of Campus Ministry in June 2007. She hails from New Orleans, Louisiana, and graduated from Loyola University New Orleans with a B.S. in Mathematics (minor in education) and later a Master’s in Religious Education. Angelle taught at a girls’ Catholic high school before moving to Missouri. Accompanying others and advocating for them as they grow into who the Lord is calling them to be is her passion, whether they are high school students, college students, or fellow campus ministers!  Angelle loves the big picture and directs the Campus Ministry team and student leaders as they all work together to share Christ’s love.  Angelle enjoys reading, dancing, gardening, spending time with her family and friends, and a good heart-to-heart over a cup of coffee.

Favorite thing about Newman: Newman is a family where you can see the generous love of God in action. We share our joys, struggles, dreams, prayers, and purpose. We also laugh a lot.

Gina grew up in Mexico, MO, home of the Bulldogs and made her way to Maryville, Missouri to become a Bearcat and study Business Management and Marketing. While at NW she was involved with Newman’s campus ministry serving as President for 2 years, giving tours of campus and was even selected to be a part of Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society! After graduating from Northwest, Gina spent two years at Loyola University in Chicago teaching and receiving her Master’s in Education while exploring one of the best cities in the world. She returned to Columbia in 2010 where she became assistant director for early childhood education and 9 years at Veterans United before stepping into her role as Assistant Director of Campus Ministry here at Newman. Outside of work, Gina loves to spend time cheering on her NW Bearcats, trying out new restaurants with friends, and traveling (Bucket List: Ireland and Alaska!) You can always find her outside walking on the MKT, grabbing a cappuccino at Toasty Goat Coffee or hanging at Logboat!

Favorite thing about Newman: Meeting new people and getting others connected!

Lori joined the staff of Newman as Director of Development in September 2021. Her home parish is Holy Spirit in Centralia, where she and her husband, James, and daughter, Grace, converted Easter 2019. Lori is thrilled to take over 15 years of experience in development and fundraising and apply that directly within her faith where she feels she can do the most good. Lori enjoys being with her family and friends, watching movies, and owns her own small business as a professional photographer.

Favorite thing about Newman: That Newman is committed to helping young people grow in their relationship with Christ at what could be a critical point in the lives of young adults.

Mikey graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Finance emphasis. He is from St. Louis and is proud of it. He loves to play – whether that be sand volleyball on Fridays, throwing discs at Albert Oakland Park, or hitting the tennis courts. Mikey finds his passion in ministering to college students by meeting them where they are and living as a witness. He emphasizes living in the present moment. That has allowed him to be free to virtuously live fully with others.

Kevin joined the staff at Newman as the Director/Campus Minister of Worship in June 2020. He also serves as a member of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission for the Diocese of Jefferson City. Kevin is from Harrisburg, PA and following 12 years of Catholic Education is a graduate from Messiah College in Grantham, PA with a BA in Music and a Minor in Church Music, Towson University in Towson, MD with a MM in Jazz Performance, and The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies in Jacksonville, FL with a DWS (Doctor of Worship Studies) degree. Before moving to Columbia, Kevin served as a Music and Liturgical Minister for 10 years at multiple parishes in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Colorado as well as 2 years as a PreK-8th grade Catholic School Music Teacher. Kevin is also a professional performing and recording Jazz trombonist, pianist, and vocalist. Outside of work, Kevin enjoys spending time with his wife Kristen and their dogs, hiking, and watching sporting events (especially the St. Louis Cardinals).

Favorite thing about Newman: The ability to collaborate with such passionate ministers and students.

Paul joined the Newman team as Director of Adult Faith Formation in March 2022. He is from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and has both a BA and MA in Theology from the University of Dallas and Franciscan University respectively. Paul has had the pleasure to serve as a US Army Chaplain’s Assistant, a Director of Parish Relations at Catholic Charities, and a parish Director of Religious Education. Paul loves to talk about (and to!) Jesus and about deep, nerd-level theology to anyone with an ear. He also loves to build deep, lasting relationships where persons can be ignited, re-ignited, or stoked in to a conflagration of love for the Lord and neighbor. He enjoys reading, hiking, cooking, and pushing his wife Carrie’s baked goodies on as many as he can.

Favorite thing about Newman: The visible, affectionate, joyful love of Christ (and burning desire for more intimacy with Him) that is evident in so many here–from pastor to intern.

Emily Shull started as the Director of Religious Education in July 2013, but she also held the position of Campus Minister from 2006-2008. She was also the Campus Ministry Intern for the 2005-2006 academic year. She received a MAPS in Theology and Ministry from the Aquinas Institute in 2010.

Emily is a very proud graduate and a huge fan of Mizzou. Emily and her husband Kevin were both in Marching Mizzou and love to play with the band at the Homecoming football game. The Newman Center is where her love of teaching really solidified when she taught first and fourth grade CEP as a student. Between her experiences in Campus Ministry, she served as Youth Minister at All Saints Parish in St. Peters, Missouri. Her husband Kevin is a graduate of the MU Vet School and they have two kids, Cecilia and David, who you’ll see at CEP and other kids events at the parish.

Favorite thing about Newman: Newman is a community that values and invests in education for everyone from kids to adults. We’re a community of seekers where good questions are as important as good answers.

Haley joined the Newman staff as Director of Youth Ministry in April of 2023. Haley was born and raised here in Columbia and attended Father Tolton Catholic High School graduating in 2020. While at Tolton she entered into full communion with the Catholic Church in 2017. In Haley’s free time she enjoys spending time with friends, taking hikes, and grabbing a cup of coffee.

Favorite Thing about Newman – That Newman has a great community and will welcome anyone with open arms. Newman is a great place to find and build a faith family that you will always be able to lean on.

Lisa is a Mizzou alum and was active at the Newman Center as a student.  Over the years, she’s volunteered in a variety of ministries in the parish.  Since 2001, she has been the RCIA coordinator.  She finds working in initiation ministry rewarding and particularly enjoys the people with whom she interacts.  She also serves on the RCIA Subcommittee of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission.  She enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Favorite thing about Newman:  Newman has been my spiritual home since my days at Mizzou.  I appreciate my diverse Newman family as well as the fertile ground this community provides for faith formation for myself and my family.

Mary joined the Newman staff in 2021 as the receptionist. She is the first person you’ll meet when you walk into the office! She is originally from Rolla, Missouri where she grew up with four brothers and three sisters. Part of growing up in Rolla for her family included eating a great deal of Alex’s Pizza and attending the infamous St Pat’s Parade every March. Mary more recently spent the last five years living on the beach in St. Augustine, Florida but came to Columbia where two of her daughters and her grandsons live: trading the beach life for her family. Mary is excited to extend a smile and greet students, parishioners and friends who stop by the Newman office.

Favorite thing about Newman: Being around so many caring, loving and kind people!

Angie started working in the business office at St. Thomas More Newman Center in September 2013, but she and her family have been parishioners here since 1996. She is a graduate of the University of Missouri and worked in the advertising/marketing field for 10 years. She was blessed to be able to work from home while she and her husband, John, raised their four children, and when it was time to go back to working outside the home, she was thrilled that the opportunity arose to be a part of the St. Thomas More Newman Center Staff.

Favorite thing about the Newman Center: “I love the family atmosphere and the multigenerational community here. I love that my children have grown up seeing the youth of this community being so active in their church – what a great example!”

James joined the staff at Newman Center in April of 2022. He is excited to bring his talents to Newman, which include marketing, social media, and technology. His home parish is Holy Spirit in Centralia, MO. He is most excited to work closely with others in their faith, and to bring people closer to Christ. When he’s not at Newman, James enjoys spending time with his wife Lori, and their two children Nick and Grace. His hobbies include cycling and delving even deeper into his relationship with Jesus.

Favorite thing about Newman: Working with the staff and students who have an incredible passion for serving our Lord.