Pastoral Council – St Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church

Pastoral Council Corner

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Colossians 3:15

Pastoral Council Chair:

Ginny Grant – She moved here 20 years ago. She is active in a lot of church activities and is a hospice volunteer. She started the Ladies Tea which raised money for a scholarship fund for girls in the parish. She was also the past president of the Columbiettes.

Finance Council Chair:

Lucille Nazzario

Kim Antolini – Kim and her husband Tom first discovered OIB and St. Brendan in 2005, and after years of returning, they decided to make it their permanent home along with their two dogs and cat. Before their relocation, they were involved in their church communities, actively participating in St. Mark in Huntersville and St. Matthew in Charlotte. In addition to her career as a real estate broker, Kim finds fulfillment in serving, whether through Rotary or here at St. Brendan. In her free time, Kim enjoys running and walking Buddy and Mickey. Her favorite activity though is spending quality time with her adult children, Sydney and Romeo.

Stephen Bonawitz – I was born and raised in Newton, Iowa. After 20 years of service with the United States Navy, I retired. My second career took me to Appalachian State University where I taught Mathematics for 15 years.

In 2018, I moved to Calabash, NC, from Boone, NC. Since then, I have met a wonderful woman at St. Brendan. We are currently planning our wedding for later this year.

Madeline Dubas – Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, my husband, Ron, and I moved to Sunset Beach in 2005 and became members of St. Brendan. Working as a receptionist in the Parish Office was a good indoctrination into the behind the scene activities of our parish. Being a Eucharistic Minister is both a privilege and a joy.

With the grace of Our Lord, hopefully my life experiences will help me to become a valuable asset to the Council.

Ada Flores – Also from Porto Rico. Has been here for 5 years. Lives in Cardinal Pointe. She will be coordinating the John the 23rd retreat. And she loves the Yankees!

Cynthia Graves – My name is Cynthia (Cindy) Graves and I am the new Columbiettes President. I have been a member since 2010 and I have served in many positions. I retired from teaching high school Chemistry, AP Chemistry and Physical Science. My husband, Thomas, is the Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus. Together we share 5 children and 11 grandchildren. I received my undergraduate degree from Montclair State University and my master’s degree from Western Connecticut State University. I enjoy playing golf and exercise. I also teach water aerobics in our community pool. I hope to be a good asset to the council.

Matt Kelly – Originally from The Bronx, New York, Matt spent thirty-five years working for Freddie Mac in the Washington, D.C. area. Matt served in a variety of senior roles where he managed Freddie Mac’s corporate real estate portfolio, property development, project management, construction, and facilities services. Matt retired and became a member of our parish in 2020. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, Audio/Visual team, and serves as the parish’s facilities coordinator. Matt , a father of three, counts his blessings having his wife, one of his two daughters, son in-law, two grandchildren, sister, and brother in-law as members of the parish as well.

Celeste Korpon – Celeste and her husband, Steve, retired to Brunswick County from Maryland in 2006. They have been parishioners for 18 years. Celeste is a retired high school history teacher and library media specialist. She is a former member of the Environment Committee and currently serves as a Eucharistic Minister. Since moving to NC, Celeste has been active in her community serving on the Board of Directors, as well as several committees. Celeste also volunteers as a SHIIP counselor providing non-biased Information for Medicare enrollees. SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program) is part of the NC Dept. of Insurance. Celeste enjoys bridge and golf.

Tom Kuncewitch

Bob McGahran – Lives in Carolina Shores. He was ordained a Deacon 40 years ago. He is officially retired so he can serve in any parish with the Pastors permission! He does whatever he can for Father Mark. He also likes soccer and football.

Pat McLaughlin – I was born and raised in Brooklyn NY until moving to NJ. Graduated from Misericordia University in Dallas Pa and taught primary grades in Northeast Pa. for many years. Went on to obtain Nursing degree and worked in the field in NJ for many years. Most time was spent in Coronary Care Unit before moving on to the Operating Room for some years. Before retiring Worked at preparing an Open MRI same day surgery facility with its five satellites for National Accreditation with Joint Commission On Accreditation (JCAHO) which passed with 98% compliance. Moved to Calabash NC in 2003 and Joined St Brendan’s Parish. Headed many committees for many years as Liturgy, Lazurus, Linen Committees. Continue to be Instructor of Eucharistic Ministers. Am a member of the Pastoral Council. Recently retired from being long term Sacristan of St. Brendan’s

Charlie McShane – Charlie is originally from Philadelphia and grew up on the Northshore of Boston where he graduated from St. John’s Prep and continued his education at Florida Tech. His career of 44 years was entirely in the Property and Casualty Insurance field working for major insurance companies. Charlie served on the Board of Homeport in Columbus, OH, an organization devoted to affordable housing. In Baltimore he served on the Board of Baltimore Ballet. Vacationers at OIB since 1995 Charlie and Sherry purchased property at Rivers Edge in 2003 and built a home in 2014. They have lived in Shallotte since 2015. He currently serves as a lector and extraordinary minister at St Brendan, a role he had at several prior parishes; in IA, OH, MA & MD.

Sandra Nelson – She is a retired high school principal. She has lived in Rivers Edge for the past 14 years. She sings in the choir and is also a Columbiette. She is also the chairperson for the Christmas Enhancement Committee which handles Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, and the weekly Altar flowers. They make every effort to enhance the parishioners’ appreciation and understanding of the gospel.

Vincent Russo – Michele, Vincent III and I have been here as part time parishioners for 20 years and full time since 2018. We moved down from Baldwin Harbor, NY, where we were active in St Christoper Catholic Church. I was on the school board and ran several parish feasts . I am a 4th degree Knight and Past Grand Knight.

I retired from the Port Authority Police of NY/NJ . While I was there, I worked as an Instructor, Aircraft Rescue Firefighter and in the Emergency Service Unit responding to numerous disasters including both WTC attacks.