Councils & Committees

I am a widow and have been a parishioner for 43 years. I have two children, Tracy and Brad, and 4 grands, 16-20 years old, all of whom live in Tulsa. I retired from education, having been St. B’s preschool director for 28 years. I volunteer at the hospital, quilt, and play bridge. I’m excited to have been chosen to serve in a different capacity and plan to help in any way I can.

Miss Sofie Carter, Youth & Young Adult Ministry

My name is Sofie Carter. I have 4 younger siblings: 3 brother and 1 sister. I have been a parishioner at St. Bernard's for the past 12 years. I am a Senior at Jenks High School. I am excited to serve.

Mr. Minwoo Kwon, Evangelization

I am married to Julia, and we have a son Nathaniel (10^th BK), Alex (8^th Jenks) and daughter (6^th Jenks). We have been parishioners at St. Bernard’s for 15 years. I work at HF Sinclair refinery. I’m grateful to have an opportunity to serve, and am looking forward to meeting more parishioners, getting involved at church, and sharing Christ’s Love.

Mrs. Tonya Marlow, Adult Faith Formation & Family Life

Tim and I have been married for 46 years, and have been blessed with two children, Cory and Kristin. Cory and his family live in Tulsa; Kristin lives with her husband and their two children, outside of Lincoln, NE. Tim and I have been members of St. Bernard’s for almost nine years, and from the first time we walked into St. Bernard’s, we knew we were where God wanted us to be. I am a retired school counselor from Union Public Schools, where I worked for 20 years. I feel honored to be a part of St. Bernard’s Parish Counsel and my goal, as a member of the board, is to do God’s work, in whichever way He needs me, and to be of service to our priest, and fellow church members, of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church.

Mr. Matt Sirkis, Vice Chairman

My name is Matt Sirkis. I’ve been married to my wife Kim going on 13 years. Kim and I met here at St. Bernard’s through mutual friends. She witnessed my baptism at the vigil in 2000 but we didn’t start dating until years later. We had numerous Holy Spirit moments where our paths crossed but it wasn’t until 10 years later that we started dating and got married in 2010. We have 7 children together: Mary (12), Elizabeth (11), Lucy (9), Anastasia (7), Catherine (5), Dominic (2), and Sophia (1). For work, I am an IT manager at Williams so I am naturally very passionate about technology and energy. What I am most looking forward to on council is being an advocate for our young families and youth at St. Bernard’s and trying to find ways to engage them more in our daily parish life.

Mrs. Diane Bechtel, Secretary

I am married to David, and together we have 8 children and 11 grandchildren. I have been a parishioner for 10 years, and I am retired. With a new pastor I know there will be changes, and I am excited to work with him on them.

Mr. Robert (Bob) Washatka, Finance/Endowment

I have been married to Maureen for 50 years. Togeter we have 4 married adult sons, 11 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandson. I have been at St. Bernard's for 1 year. I am retired and most looking forward to continuing to learn about St. Bernard’s and use my past council experiences where appropriate. I'm also looking forward to helping maintain the spirituality of St. Bernard’s through the many formation programs that are available and helping with the transition to Father Gleason’s leadership.

Mr. Mark Rapp, Chairman

I am married to Linda. Our daughter Erin and her husband Andy live in Charleston, S.C. and are expecting their first baby in September. Our son Neil lives in Arizona with his wife Misato and their son. Our daughter Haley and her husband Hector live in Broken Arrow with their two sons. I have been a St. Bernard’s parishioner for 26 years. I am retired and am excited to help out the Church as needed and getting to know Father Jack.

Mrs. Lyra Fernandes Gaby, Worship

My husband, Mark Gaby, has been retired since November 2019. He is passionate about gardening. My daughter, Rhea Veigas, has completed her Bachelors in Psychology and lives in India. We have been parishioners for 6 years. I am a Yoga Teacher and Therapist. I am interested in conducting workshops and seminars on Health & Wellness and how to manage and cure various disease through nutrition, exercises, and the right attitude. I’m looking forward to being a Christ-like figure and reaching out to people. I will try to make them know how beautiful life is when Christ lives in you. I'm excited to help as a member of our Parish Council and will try my best to be of great help to the Church.

Mr. John Copp, Religious Education

I grew up in Chicago, and met and married Maureen there. We moved to Tulsa and St Bernard in 1992. Our daughter Maria and her husband Scott live in Tulsa and have one daughter. Our son Johnny is married to Adee and lives in Hong Kong. They are expecting their first child in November. Our son Joey is married to Katherine. They live in the Chicago area and are expecting twins in September. Our daughter Emma lives in New York City. I am looking forward to renewing my involvement in my long-time home parish.

Mrs. Kathy Sands, Spirituality

I have been married to Geoff for 32 years. Together we have 3 sons: Luke (29, in Chicago), Kent (27, in Tulsa) and Ben (23, in Tulsa). I have been a St. Bernard’s parishioner for 13 years. I was a teacher. Now, mostly a church lady. I’m looking forward to getting to know and working with Father Jack and all the Parish Council members. I’m also looking forward to furthering the mission of St. Bernard’s.

Mrs. Yvonne Elias, Parish Life

My husband Chuck and I have just become grandparents for the first time! Our son Stephen lives in Tulsa, but our daughter Adrienne, her husband Rick, and new baby Charlotte are being transferred to Montana. We have lots of traveling in our future! We just passed the 26 year mark as parishioners. I am both an architect and registered interior designer, and I specialize in healthcare projects. I love to work on hands-on projects, so I am looking forward to being plugged in to Saint Bernard's parish needs. I'm excited about serving with the Parish Council as a team member and giving back to our church and community in any way I can.