Suzanna Byrne
I was born during a severe snowstorm in the north of England toward the end of WWII. I went on to attend one of the first brand new primary schools to be built after the war and grew up in a rural environment surrounded by trees, lush, green grass, and all the benefits of a natural environment. However, after I left school, I made the life-changing decision to leave my beloved England and I came to California in April 1966.
This is and will always be the “land of opportunity” and I was able to take advantage of the access to higher education so after junior college, I went on to Cal. State University, Dominguez Hills where I earned two BAs, in Philosophy and Literature and later, an MA in the teaching of English. In the meantime, I met my husband, Irving, and we married and were blessed with the birth of my only surviving child, Thomas.
Following graduation from CSUDH, I went to work as a college instructor which is work, I did for several years. I changed career direction at the age of 60 and taught grade school and then high school at Fairmont Preparatory Academy in Anaheim where I taught ESL, mainstream English, and Art for nine years until I retired at almost 70. I then went back to Marymount California University where I taught Freshman Comp until the Covid Virus occurred.
My life experiences have taught me that human beings are more alike than we are different, and that compassion is an essential quality for leadership. When we understand each other, we can find solutions to the problems our contemporary world presents. I discovered St. Wilfrid’s Church in 2004 when I moved from Ventura County to Orange County and found a warm and responsive church family that I have loved for 16 years. As a member of the Vestry, I believe that my own struggles and triumphs will enable me to be not only open to opinions other than my own, but that I will be able to make a sound contribution to the work of St. Wilfrid’s Church.
Marcia Tappaan Cray
I came to St. Wilfrid @ 20 years ago? I am a “cradle” Episcopalian. I married a Roman Catholic, so have been involved in other denominations. I have been very involved in the church community from day one. I think I have joined, led, created A lot of the ministries: office angel, EFM, Alfa, Vestry x 2, Fellowship, lead too many years, lead on reupholster chairs in church and chapel, Wedding coordinator, assisted creating Prayer-shawl ministry, Daughters of the King, and a few more. Don’t want to brag.
Personally, I was married 50 years. Have 4 beautiful, successful daughters. 10 grandchildren from age 25 to 2 years. My professional career varies. A physical education teacher 10 years and switched to Ultrasound tech. 12 years. As one can see, I have had a busy life!
I look forward to serving on Vestry. I believe I can share my experiences and help rebuild our church and community. It is a honor. With or without me, this year will be a positive for everyone.
Kirsty Mackintosh
Our family began attending church at St. Wilfrid's in 2014. We had been members of St. John the Divine in Costa Mesa for 20 years. It is a really small church. St. Wilfrid's ministries provided more stimulation for our teenage children.
I was introduced to the Episcopal Church as a teenager when I was given the privilege of two Goddaughters. I was baptized at 18 in Walnut Creek and confirmed at St. Andrews in Irvine during college.
I enjoy being a lay reader and reading the Prayers of the People. Sometimes, I serve as an acolyte when a teenager is absent. I really enjoy that, too.
My husband, David, and I have been married for 28 years. Our daughter, Carolyn, 24, lives in Washington DC. Our daughter, Nicole, 21, goes to the University of Tennessee. Our son, Todd, 15, serves as an acolyte and goes to Edison High School.
We are a Boy Scout family. David and I are merit badge counselors. When it is not covid, a lot of our weekends are spent hiking or camping.
I look forward to serving St. Wilfrid's on the Vestry wherever I am needed.
Steven Nadolny
I began attending St. Wilfrid’s in June of 2002 after Jim Schweitzer and I began dating. Jim and I had our Union Blessing here at St. Wilfrid’s in August 2007. During my years here I have been a catechist, LEV (Lay Eucharistic Visitor), lector, hosted youth beach BBQs and have spent 10 years on and am a current member of our Stewardship Committee. I did my church administrator internship in our office with Terry and have my certificate in parish administration from LMU. For 3 years I was the administrator for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Fullerton. Professionally, I have also been a Superior Court Clerk, law office and retail sales manager. Jim and I are currently St. Wilfrid’s S.H.I.P. coordinators. And I have been a member, coordinator, or co-chair of EFLAGS (Episcopal Fellowship of Lesbians And Gays and Straights) since joining here. More recently, I am also active with GLEAM-OC out of St. Luke’s in Tustin.
Raised Catholic, I am a former Pastoral Council member and chair. During that time, I help lead with a pastor transition. I’m a former grade schoolteacher with an additional 12 years as a volunteer high school volunteer catechist. I have also done with Communidad (Catholic Ministry with LGBTQ+ Persons) out of St. Matthews in Long Beach for over 30 years, hosting annual ecumenical events with St. Matthew’s, St. Luke’s, and St. Wilfrid’s.
St. Wilfrid’s is part of our spiritual family. Jim and I are part of our Legacy Circle. We both believe that people need to know that they are loved by God and can have a place where they can have a spiritual home and develop that relationship. We have been very blessed and believe that we are called to share our gifts and blessings where God calls us. Jim has previously served on Vestry. Now, I am happy to serve and continue to share my gifts here. Thank You for your consideration.
Jim O’Connell
Our family has been associated with St. Wilfrid’s since 1984. We were introduced to St. Wilfrid’s by Fr. Charles Sacquety during his visit to our home while we cared for a dying friend of my wife Lucy. Prior to that we had no particular religious affiliation, but both my wife and I were raised as Roman Catholic’s.
During my association with this parish my wife and I were involved with SHIP for 5 years. I have also been an acolyte with my youngest daughter, was chairperson of the building committee that was built the current facilities, have had prior service as a vestry member, and am a member of the sound crew. I currently am responsible for the maintenance of the buildings and grounds.
I retired from the City of Irvine after 30 years in the Public Works Department where I did inspection, construction contract management and project design management. My wife and I have three children between us, two of hers that I adopted and one between us. We were also guardians of 4 nieces and nephew for 11 years. We cared for both our mothers and my sister in our home during their final years.
