Mary Roers

Administrative Assistant

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I am the secretary at the School of St. Philip. I started with the school in 2011 but have been working with children in different capacities since 1992. I was born and raised in Litchfield and have been a member of the Church of St. Philip all my life.

I am the youngest of 11 children - all of which attended St. Philip School. I have been married to my husband Bill since 1989 and we have two grown sons, Alex and Mitch. I enjoy reading, taking walks, playing cards and games and spending as much time as I can with family and friends.

Jodi Peterson

1st Grade

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I grew up in Fargo, ND and am the youngest of 4 children. I attended Catholic schools from grades 1-12 and taught in a small Catholic school in Mahnomen, MN for 10 years before moving to Litchfield in 2004.

I graduated from Moorhead State University with a degree in Elementary Education. I have experience teaching preschool age through 5th grade. I enjoy reading, crafts, scrapbooking, and creating cards. I feel blessed to be teaching in a school where I can share my faith with others!

Mrs. Tamara Joyer

Phy. Ed. Teacher and Lunchroom Staff

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I graduated from Sauk Centre High School and then went to the University of Minnesota, where I got my degree in Environmental Horticulture and met my husband, Brian. 

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We have lived in Litchfield for 9 years and have sent our 3 children to the School of St. Philip. Being a part of the school has been a true blessing for my family. We are proud to be part of such a great community! 

Fr. Jeffrey Horejsi

Pastor

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On July 1, 2018 Fr. Jeff was appointed Pastor of the Shepherd of Souls Area Faith Community after serving 8 years as Pastor of the All Saints Area Faith Community (Sacred Heart, Franklin; St. Andrew, Fairfax; St. Willibrord, Gibbon; and St. Francis de Sales, Winthrop). Fr. Jeff was ordained August 24, 1991, after earning his Masters of Divinity Degree at St. John’s University, Collegeville, MN in May of 1991.

Fr. Jeff grew up on a dairy farm near Belview, MN and his parents have retired in Redwood Falls. He has three brothers and two sisters. Often on a motorcycle in the summer, he also enjoys country music.

Brenda Torborg

Kindergarten

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I am so thrilled to be the Kindergarten Teacher at St. Philip’s.  I was born and raised in Paynesville, MN.  I attended Bemidji State University and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education.  This is my 20th year of teaching all in Catholic schools.

I taught Third grade for 6 years before I made a big change to my first love Kindergarten.  I find working with children a rewarding experience.  I love listening to all of their stories and experiences and am constantly amazed at all the life lesson they have taught me.  I am blessed to be able to do what I truly LOVE to do. 

Mary Lenz

2nd/3rd grade

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I was born in Canada and grew up International Falls, MN. My college education started at Rainy River State in International Falls where I earned an AA Degree. I continued my education at Bemidji State University where I earned my BS Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education and a concentration in Reading.

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I have been fortunate to be able to spend my teaching career at the School of St. Philip. I am happy that I can combine academics with helping students grow in their faith.

I enjoy spending time with family and friends. My hobbies are walking, reading, and trying to teach my dog how to behave.

Ms. Melissa Thompson

Lunchroom Staff

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Hello! I was born and raised in Southern California. I moved to Minnesota in 2005 and absolutely love it here! My family and I moved to Litchfield in 2013. I am very thankful to have been given the opportunity to hold a position in the lunchroom. I love being able to see my son and niece at school everyday, and to be a part of such an amazing group of students and staff!

Fr. Brian Mandel

Associate Pastor

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Fr. Brian was born and raised in Appleton, Wisconsin. He is the third youngest of seven siblings. He has four brothers and two sisters. He has eight nieces and nephews. Being from the area of the state near Green Bay, Fr. Brian is a tried and true Green Bay Packers fan. 

Fr. Brian attended St. John Vianney College Seminary at the College of St. Thomas and graduated in 1987 with a Bachelors of Arts in History, then received a Masters of Divinity Degree from St. John's Seminary Collegeville in 1991. He received certification in Spiritual Direction from The Institute of Priestly Formation in 2008 and completed the program Good Leaders, Good Shepherds in 2012. 

Fr. Brian came to the Diocese of New Ulm about 25 years ago as a deacon. He served in Watkins for a year as a deacon, and then was ordained to the priesthood on May 28, 1994. Since then, he served in Marshall, Willmar, the area faith community in Tracy Walnut Grove and Milroy, then back to the area faith community of Willmar, Spicer, Kandiyohi and Lake Lillian, and now in this area.

AuBree Zuehl

Preschool and Gr. 2 & 5 Language Arts

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As the new Preschool Plus Teacher I am excited to get to know the school and students more!

I grew up in Litchfield and attended the public schools for K-12.  I went to college at Winona State University and graduated with a double major in Elementary Education and a Reading Instruction minor.  After teaching in Grand Marais for a year, I wanted a teaching position closer to my hometown.  I am very excited to be working with all the students and staff here at the School of St. Philip.

Nancy McGraw

4th/5th grade

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Hello! I live in Litchfield with my husband Dan and our dog Minne. I grew up in Litchfield and attended The School of St. Philip through sixth grade. My education includes a B.S. degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology from Moorhead State University. I also attained my Coaching License.

I have taught at St. Philip's for more than 30 years. Getting to know children and their families is the best part of teaching. Watching them grow and learn is very exciting. My hobbies include gardening, fishing, golfing, reading, and baking!! Every day is an adventure-carpe diem!!!

Diana McCarney

Music Teacher

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Catholic School has been part of my life since I was a first grader, and I am a firm believer in its value. My B.A. degree from the College of St. Catherine, St. Paul, is in Music Education. I taught elementary music for eight years in public school, first in St. Paul Park and then in Dassel-Cokato before coming to the School of St. Philip. I continued my own education with an M. A. in Theology from St. John’s University, Collegeville, and a degree in Educational Administration from St. Mary’s University, Minneapolis. I retired in 2014 as principal of St. Philip’s after 13 years in that role. I am now happy to continue as music teacher on a part-time basis.

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My husband and I are members of the Church of Our Lady, Manannah, where I am the organist. We have four children and five grandchildren, the oldest of whom is a happy kindergartner at St. Philip’s this year.

You’re so good to the kids and the environment is so good for the kids that we just want to be a part of it.

~Jason Olson, Parent

Gee, that school just keeps getting cooler and cooler.

~Jacob Elwell, St. Philip’s Class of 2017

I LOVE St. Philip because of the small class sizes that allow children to thrive, everyone knows everyone, very welcoming atmosphere with faculty that cares and is very approachable.

~Carrie Asmus, Mom 

I love St. Philip because it is a Catholic based school that is family oriented. I enjoy the relationships that we have established from St. Philip families, they are our closest friends.

~Jane Wagner, Mom 

Because our kids do! It allows our children to pray, and say the "pledge of allegiance" and it honors, and teaches our children the importance of morals, ethics, and family values.

~Derek Penk, Dad 

We love the School of St. Philip because of the sound teaching/learning community. Our children have thrived in St. Philip's school. The teachers are excellent and communication between school and home is fantastic. 

~Gerry Kulzer, Dad