Our Staff

St. Patrick’s leadership supports the parish community and is available to answer any questions you may have about your spiritual journey, service opportunities, and involvement in the church. Please reach out to your parish staff for answers, advice, and support.

Rev. Burt H. Absalon, Pastor
babsalon@stmary-woodstock.org
Born in the Philippines, Fr. Burt attended Dona Montserat Lopez High School in Silay City, Xavier University, and Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines. He completed his studies for the priesthood at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago in 2000 and was ordained to the priesthood on May 19, 2001. He has had multiple assignments as priest in parishes in the Diocese of Rockford. He has also served in multiple roles as an educator and administrator at schools in the diocese. He has served as pastor of St. Mary Parish in Woodstock since February 2013.

Joe Kayser, Deacon
815-236-3803
jkayser7@gmail.com
Deacon Joe studied at the Theological Institute of the Rockford Diocese. He was ordained into the Permanent Diaconate Program of the Rockford Diocese in 1998. Joe is a certified Spiritual Director in the Rockford Diocese.

Joe received his Spiritual Companioning Certificate in 2006. He is a founding member of Sacred Journey Spiritual Companioning. He has accumulated extensive experience in Hospital Ministry (since 1998), was an instructor and staff member for SSC from 2006-2008, served as Coordinator of Religious Education for 5 years, and brings 30 years as a Small Group Facilitator to his spiritual companioning work. Deacon Joe is a member of Spiritual Directors International.

He enjoys leading a workshop on Thomas Merton, entitled The Contemplative Way with Merton. Joe retired in 2010 from his career as a landscape and farm machinery mechanic.

Jeanine Nowakowski, Business Manager
815-790-3803
jeanine.nowakowski@gmail.com

Matt Weidner, Building and Grounds
mlweidner3@gmail.com

Ray Wagner, Sacristan
rcwagner78@gmail.com

Stacey Weidner, Keyboardist
staceyweidner@gmail.com