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.

Reverend Father Paulinus Chidi Aneke is a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu in South – East Nigeria. He was ordained a priest on July 14, 2001. After his ordination, he served as an associate pastor, and subsequently as a pastor in some parishes in his home diocese. His pastoral assignments in his diocese also brought him in contact with various religious groups and associations in the parishes he served.

After some years as a pastor in his home diocese, he travelled to Rome and spent a couple of years where he studied Pastoral Care.

He came to the diocese of Jefferson City on February 4, 2022, to work as a missionary priest. On coming into the diocese, he spent some time at St. Andrew Parish, Holts Summit, within which period, he had an orientation programme to help him adjust to pastoral service in the United States.

Father Paulinus was sent to St. Thomas Moore, Newman Centre on March 28 2022 to begin his official pastoral experience in Jefferson City as an associate pastor.

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.

Ryan began as the Resident Campus Minister at Newman August 2021. Graduating from the University of Missouri-Columbia in May 2021, he received a Bachelor of Arts with emphases in Communication and Digital Storytelling. Originally from Kansas City, MO, Ryan has loved getting to spend time in Columbia enjoying the many different aspects of the town: climbing at Capen park or hiking the different trails, enjoying a good cup of coffee with a friend, or exploring the many different local breweries. Ryan finds his passion to minister to students and be a witness of Christ’s love to others because of his daily encounter with Jesus Christ and an understanding of the necessity of relationship, identity, and mission in the culture today. You can find him living upstairs in the Newman Parish apartment, hanging out with students on campus, or working towards sainthood with his closest friends.

Favorite thing about Newman: the opportunity for daily encounter with Jesus through adoration, mass, and the community!

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.

Joe has served as the Assistant Director of Worship since 2018, following 35+ years as Director. He grew up in suburban Chicago.  He became involved with music ministry through the Newman Club at the University of North Texas where he earned a Bachelor of Music Composition degree.  He also has a Masters Degree in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University, New Orleans.  He also studied at St. Meinrad School of Theology for a short time.  While at UNT, he was also a member of the gymnastics team.  Joe and his wife, Melissa, have three children and five grandchildren.  Hobbies include biking, hiking and anything related to railroads.

Favorite thing about Newman: Joe loves the energy of a campus ministry parish with the vitality of the students and the stability of the residents.

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.

Renee grew up in the south St. Louis suburbs before heading to Columbia to attend Mizzou. She received her Bachelor of Journalism with a minor in theatre, worked at a parish in St. Louis for a year, and then moved back to Columbia in June 2018 to start her job at Newman as the Director of Youth Ministry. She’s currently getting her Masters in Pastoral Studies with an emphasis in Youth and Young Adult Ministry from Holy Apostles College.

Columbia has completely stolen Renee’s heart. She loves to spend time at the parks, drive to the Big Tree, and grab drinks at the Berg. In what free time she does have, Renee plays games with friends on her Switch, hangs out with and prays with her young women’s bible study, and laughs at her own jokes.

Favorite thing about Newman: The integration and collaboration of people from all different age groups and backgrounds working together for the greater good – to spread the love of Christ to everyone they meet

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.