Office Administrator
Jo Ellen Whitehair
Phone: 316-706-9207
Email: officead@sacabilene.com
Jo Ellen Whitehair moved to the Abilene area in July of 2008. She joined the Parish Staff in April of 2023 and is enjoying her new role as Parish Secretary.
Jo Ellen is married to Brian Whitehair and together they enjoy everyday adventures on the farm and sharing the farm with family and friends. They have four grown children and four grandchildren.
When not working, Jo Ellen can be found sharing Servant of God, Father Emil Kapaun’s story at the Chaplain Kapaun Museum in Pilsen, baking, gardening, or spending time with her grandchildren.
“I’m excited to be working in the Parish Office and using my skills acquired from previous work experiences to help our priest, our parish, and our community. I’m grateful for my Catholic faith and to be able to share it freely with others each day.”
Liturgy Director
Lisa Steiner
Phone: 785-577-2411
Email: liturgy@sacabilene.com
Lisa has been a member of St. Andrew since 2007. She was born in Beloit, KS and was raised in the Catholic faith. Their family moved to Salina in 1971 where Lisa attended school and graduated in 1980. She continued her education and graduated from nursing school in 1986. Lisa has been blessed to be a chemotherapy nurse for 25 years in Salina. God placed on her heart the love of people and service to others. Lisa and her husband, John, have a daughter, Kirsten, who is married to Tom and they have three children.
“I am very excited to be working with our priest and parishioners so that we, together, can celebrate and live out our Catholic faith.” – Lisa Steiner
Director of Religious Education
Jennifer Brooks
Phone: 785-280-0332
Email: dre@sacabilene.com
Jenny grew up in Abilene attending St. Andrew’s church and school. In 1999 she and her husband Chris chose to move back to Abilene to raise their family. All 9 of their children have grown up in St. Andrew’s parish church and school.
Jenny is also a registered nurse and has been employed in various settings , but always preferred to work with children. She is currently a school nurse in the Geary County school district.
She loves spending time with her family and friends in good conversation and celebrating life. Her favorite pleasures are a warm cup of coffee, scented candles, live music, and basking in the sun.
“I love the Catholic faith! So vast in depth and beauty it draws us ever closer to knowing and loving Christ. What a joy it is to live and share, and to grow in our Catholic faith with one another.”
Music Director
Theresa Brierton
Phone: 785-479-6559
Theresa became an organist and cantor at St. Andrew in 1982 when she moved to Abilene from Illinois with her late husband, Mike and their three children. He started Brierton Engineering and she taught special education in the local and county school systems. They have 9 grandchildren and have raised one granddaughter.
Theresa is very passionate about living out the faith that the Spirit calls you to. Through the years she has been active with St. Andrew’s Religious Education as a catechist, coordinator, CYO sponsor and DRE. She taught 1st grade at St. Andrew’s school and continues to be a substitute teacher. As God called her, she became the Liturgy coordinator and is now the Music Director.
“It has been a blessing to be a part of the Music team that we have here at St. Andrew; seeing many people, especially our young, become active in liturgy through music is a gift to God. I especially enjoy seeing our Children’s Choir bring joy to our congregation.”
Theresa continues to volunteer her time as Music Director, Bible Study leader, and Baby Ministry coordination, as well as organizes our Church’s participation in Abilene’s monthly Community Dinner and Salina Rescue Mission meals.
