Our Council

The Father Marquette Catholic Academy Council is formed by the member parishes as a consultative body to assist the principal and pastors in overseeing the operation of the school. The council derives its authority and responsibility from the bishop and the pastors as his representatives. The bishop has final authority under Canon Law. All council actions are subject to the review and approval of the pastors and the bishop.

The Father Marquette Catholic Academy Council meets six times per year at 6:30 p.m. in the Bishops room of St. Peter Cathedral. Please see the school calendar for the dates. We welcome all parents to attend.

2025–2026 Father Marquette Catholic Academy Council

  • Fr. Tom Merkel - Pastor Designate, St. Louis the King
  • Fr. Dan Moll - Pastor, St. Christopher 
  • Fr. Jose Cherian - Pastor, St. Michael
  • Fr. Brandon Oman - Pastor, St. Peter
  • Dr. Amadeo Sturla
  • Mr. Miguel Valenzuela
  • Mrs. Iris Katers
  • Mrs. Jennifer Vollenweider
  • Dr. Francis Darr
  • Mr. Andy Ylkanen
  • Mrs. Melissa Pillifant - Principal

2025–2026 Officers

  • Dr. Amadeo Sturla - Chairperson
  • Mr. Miguel Valenzuela - Assistant Chairperson

2025–2026 Members

Catholic Identity Committee

  • Fr. Tom Merkel
  • Jenn Vollenweider*
  • Molly Johnston
  • Annalisa Ogle
  • Joe Barry
  • Haila Ackely
  • Melissa Pillifant

Development Committee

  • Fr. Tom Merkel
  • Kendra Youren
  • Jessica Scibelli
  • Anne Lund
  • Jennie Thill
  • Liz Bell
  • Melissa Pillifant

Marketing Committee

  • Fr. Tom Merkel
  • Joe Barry
  • Anne Lund
  • Jennie Thill
  • Liz Bell
  • Melissa Pillifant

Finance Committee

  • Fr. Tom Merkel
  • Dr. Amadeo Sturla*
  • Nhan Nguyen
  • Elizabeth Tidd
  • Kit Pillifant
  • Kay Rambo
  • Melissa Pillifant

Building and Grounds Committee

  • Fr. Tom Merkel
  • Iris Katers*
  • Jon Betz
  • Mario Scibelli
  • Aaron Stoudt
  • Melissa Pillifant

* Council Members