Podcast

Parochial Vicar

Father Wappes is a priest of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. A native of Saint Anthony Village, he grew up at Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, where the witness of joyful priests and seminarians first sparked his interest in the priesthood as a child. Father Wappes studied philosophy and Catholic Studies at University of Saint Thomas through Saint John Vianney College Seminary before continuing his theological formation in Rome at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas. During his time in Rome, he served as a deacon at a papal Easter Mass in Saint Peter's Square, an experience that deepened his sense of the Church's universal mission. Ordained for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Father Wappes desires to help build vibrant communities of disciples and accompany people in their joys and struggles while leading them closer to Christ. Outside of ministry, he enjoys sports — especially basketball and volleyball — and spending time with parishioners.

Director of Communications & Marketing

From a young age, Brandon dreamed of being an astronaut, working for NASA, and exploring the stars. That is until he realized that astronauts needed to know math. So instead, he now works for the Lord of the Universe, who made those stars in the first place. Brandon has served the Church in various ministry roles — youth, young adult, college campus ministry — you name it. Whether it is giving talks, leading Bible Studies, editing marketing materials, or stacking up chairs after an event, he's passionate about helping people meet Jesus and fall in love with His Church. Saint John Paul II, his patron and Saint BFF, is a major inspiration to him, especially his teachings from Love & Responsibility and his Theology of the Body. He's been married to his best friend, Marlene, for almost 5 years. They moved here from New Jersey about 4 years ago. They have one daughter who is often seen waddling her way around the narthex and causing chaos around the parish offices. He loves dad jokes, puns, and memes. In his free time, I love reading, writing, drawing, and gaming (video games, board games, and TTRPGs). He's a huge theology nerd and love learning more about our faith. He and his wife love shows like Psych, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Office, and Park & Rec.

Director of Development & Stewardship

Matt is a committed, lifelong Catholic, a husband of nearly twenty years, and the father of four children (ages 11–17). He brings nearly three decades of experience at the intersection of association management, public policy, government relations, and service to nonprofit and private-sector organizations. His career includes senior leadership roles in Minnesota and Washington, D.C., with experience in Catholic advocacy, health policy, state and federal government, and strategic advisory work. Most recently, Matt played a significant role at the Minnesota Catholic Conference, helping to successfully advocate for the preservation of nonpublic pupil aid. Matt, his wife, and their family live in White Bear Lake and are members of Saint Mary of the Lake Catholic Church. Outside of work, Matt enjoys time with his family, stays closely connected with extended family, and brings that same sense of commitment and joy to coaching his children’s teams, following hockey and soccer, creative writing, and family traditions like building a backyard hockey rink each winter—often joined by the family’s friendly five-year-old Goldador.