Fr. Kevin Ripley grew up in Pulaski, WI, with his older brother and parents. He studied at UW-Madison before entering seminary in Mundelein, IL, where he spent the last six years in school. He was ordained a priest on July 10, 2020 by Bishop Ricken and is serving his first assignment at St. Raphael. Fr. Kevin was drawn to the priesthood in the context of the Mass, Confession, and a growing prayer life, so he hopes to share in those areas with you. Also, he is excited to be serving as chaplain for Lourdes Academy. Go Knights! Some hobbies of his include reading, rowing, biking, camping, fishing, and playing brass instruments.

Deacon John was ordained a permanent deacon by Bishop David L. Ricken for the Diocese of Green Bay in 2009. He is assigned to St. Raphael the Archangel Parish and serves the parish in a variety of ministries. Prior to ordination, Deacon John spent 17 years as owner/president of his own strategic planning, marketing and fundraising firm and 10 years prior as the marketing officer for Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh. Dcn John works full time at the Jesuit Retreat House on Lake Winnebago as the Associate Director of Development & Fundraising. He and his wife Shelley live in Oshkosh.

Deacon Greg was ordained a permanent deacon by Bishop David Zubik for the Diocese of Green Bay in May of 2006. Greg currently leads the Stewardship Commission and Baptism Prep program at St. Raphael’s, where he and his wife Kelly have been members since 1996. In addition to his work as a deacon, Greg holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Marquette University, works full-time as a Senior IT Manager at Oshkosh Corporation, and is an Adjunct Professor at Lakeland University. In his spare time, he enjoys being outdoors golfing, fishing and skiing, and most of all spending time with his family. Greg, Kelly, and their two sons, Charlie and Robert, live in Winneconne.

Deacon Mark was ordained a permanent deacon by Bishop David L. Ricken for the Diocese of Green Bay in 2021. Mark and his wife Jenifer moved to the Oshkosh area in 1991 to pursue a graduate degree in psychology. Having no relatives in the area, the church community has become their family and they have been members of St. Raphael the Archangel Parish for over twenty years. Mark enjoys spending time with his three now adult children, Elinor, Abby, and Ian, and in the outdoors, especially fly fishing. Dcn. Mark looks forward to sharing God’s love with the members of St. Raphael the Archangel Parish and the community as we walk together as brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Karen has served the St. Raphael parish community for more than 20 years, sharing with us her love of music and communal worship. Since earning her degree in music from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Karen has gone on to work with individuals, both here in the parish and through her own local piano and voice studio. Karen’s responsibilities include overseeing all parish music ministries, directing the Sunday adult choir, acting as the lead musical consultant for our Sunday night worship band, and providing other opportunities for young musicians to serve within the parish. Karen’s greatest passion is to empower young people to become music ministry leaders within the church. If you or someone you know has a musical talent waiting to be shared with our congregation, Karen would love to talk to you!

Mark has been with St. Raphael's since 2007. He started his service as the parish accountant. In July 2013, he was promoted to his current position of Business Manager. Mark and his wife Kelly also own two businesses in Oshkosh. Mark has been working with accounting and small businesses since 1985. In is private life, Mark enjoys singing in the barbershop style and also sings with St. Raphael's mens' choir. If you have any business-related questions, Mark will be happy to assist you.

Betty Schwandt has served the faith community of St. Raphael as Pastoral Associate since June 2013. Primarily offering and meeting the needs of pastoral care for the ill and homebound, Betty works with families who are struggling through change, crisis, and loss. Developing ways for adults to grow in their faith, Betty offers Bible studies, RCIA, supports small Christian communities, speakers, and directs Living Christ parish retreats. Also a spiritual director, Betty helps people to recognize how God is working in and through them and to recognize God’s movements within them. Betty earned her MA in Christian Spirituality along with her Certification in Spiritual Direction from Creighton University and a B.S. in English Education and Communications. Betty’s experience includes campus ministry, directing religious education, and teaching young people. She looks forward to meeting you and hearing your journey of faith.

Deb has served St. Raphael Church leading the front office staff in her role as lead executive secretary for more than ten years. She is often the first contact for many of our guests, and makes sure that everyone feels welcome. She is the chief editor of our weekly bulletin and lead scheduler for the parish, taking responsibility for the coordination of multiple calendars, events and personnel. In her free time, Deb loves directing community theater groups (as well as taking acting roles herself) and spending time with her children, new grandchildren and dearest friends. Deb would be happy to answer your parish-related questions.

Jill joined our team as an administrative assistant in 2010. Her professional experience in sales, management and customer service have prepared her well to manage all ministry schedules for liturgical ministers and sacrament records for our parish. Beyond that, having gone through our RCIA program for those wanting to become Catholic, Jill’s newfound enthusiasm for our Church shines through when she greets guests when they call or enter our front doors. She highly values time spent with her husband Tim, three children, and mother who lives at home with the family; as well as gardening, cooking, canning and playing golf. You are welcome to contact Jill with questions you may have about ministry schedules and/or any general parish activities.

In addition to holding her Bachelor of Science in finance from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Anne also brings with her over a decade of experience working in the mortgage industry. She finds deep love within her family, being married to her husband Carl, and mom to her two teenage children. If you would happen to have a question regarding your contributions, tax receipts, or need to know more about regular electronic giving, Anne will be happy to help.

As a member of St. Raphael since 2002, Jessie is excited to minister to youth and families in her role as director of religious education. She is a graduate of St. Norbert College, De Pere, where she earned her degree in elementary education in 2001 and completed her Masters in Theology in 2020. Her ministry at St. Raphael gives her the opportunity to combine the three great passions of her life: teaching, working with youth and families, and her love of Jesus. Jessie has been married to her husband Josh since 2001, and in 2016 they adopted their son Andrew, who brings happiness and adventure to each and every day! Jessie's other joys in life include baking cookies for family and friends, her daily runs, and reading scripture. If you have general questions about religious education,  second grade sacramental prep or Families of Faith, Jessie is the person to see.

Michael became a part of this parish when he was baptized in 1992 at the original Saint Raphael location by the pastor who is now Bishop Dan Felton. Since then his life and faith have been nurtured by several ministries, including Catholic Youth Expeditions (CYE) in Door County, Lifeteen, TEC, Father Carr's Place 2B, Eagle Eye in Peoria IL, UWO Newman Center, and Seminary where he earned his bachelor's degree in Philosophy. Michael has been blessed by many Saints and living saints who have inspired him to follow their example by living his life in service of Christ and His children. In his current role, Michael desires to bring hearts to Jesus with the help of Our lady, his guardian angel, the saints, and our awesome parish community. Will you join him?

Fun facts: He once did the polar plunge 6 times in 2 hours; he is a retired champ of twister, belly-flopping and the hunger games; he played soccer through school and loves any type of game; and his spiritual grandparents are Saint Teresa of Calcutta and Fr. Marty Carr.

Jenifer has been a member here since 2000. The welcoming and always active church atmosphere attracted her and her husband, Deacon Mark Leafgren, to join just before the birth and baptism of their second daughter. They have three adult children: Ellie, Abby and Ian. Her family enjoys volunteering not only in their neighborhoods and workplaces, but especially within the St. Raphael community. One of Jenifer’s favorite here at church is CLOW. There the children hear the word of God proclaimed in a manner they understand producing a stronger relationship with Jesus and a chance to grow in their faith. Prior to holding this position, she worked for over 10 years with Lourdes Academy elementary sites, Cabrini and Seton, here in Oshkosh. Besides young children being her passion, she enjoys family, traveling and the great outdoors with all the beautiful gifts God has created for us! We are all called to evangelize these great works of God. Children are especially ready to hear, learn and share with us. Is it time for you to answer a call, perhaps to teaching our young children? Jenifer can show you how you can help.

Kathy and her three children joined St. Raphael in 1997. Watching them go through the RE program and learn more about their faith sparked her interest in becoming more involved in the many ministries St. Raphael has to offer. Kathy joined the high school youth ministry program and later became a catechist for the PK/K children. In 2018, she started as our coordinator for the Sunday School program. She is excited for the opportunity to teach the young children of our parish how much God loves them! Kathy loves spending time with her family and friends, reading on her deck and watching Packer, Brewer, Bucks and Badger games.

Megan developed a passion for communications and making videos through a high school elective course. This led her to earn an Associate Degree in Video and Motion Graphics from Madison Media Institute, and eventually a Bachelors in Corporate and Health Communications from UW-Whitewater. Jesus called her to be a sister with the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity for six years (where she was Sister Cecilia Joy) before guiding her to a position and new home at St. Raphael's. She is eager to be a part of this parish community and use the gifts God has given her. It is no surprise that Megan enjoys streaming shows and watching movies in her free time. Viewing The Ten Commandments is one of her Holy Week traditions. Want to join in the communication and multimedia fun at St. Raphael's? Megan is eager to see you and hear your ideas.