Parish Staff
Rev. Erich Rutten
Pastor
Fr. Erich was born and raised near Joliet, Illinois and came to Minnesota for graduate studies. He has lived in the Twin Cities for the last 30 years including 12 years in south Minneapolis. Fr. Erich was ordained to the priesthood in 2005 and has served at the Cathedral of Saint Paul, Our Lady of Grace in Edina, the University of Saint Thomas Campus Ministry, Saint Peter Claver in Saint Paul, and Saint Odilia in Shoreview. He has also served for eleven years as the Chair of the Archdiocesan Commission for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, seven years on the Social Concerns Committee of the Minnesota Catholic Conference of Bishops, and five years on the Board of Ascension Catholic Academy.
Barbara Staats
Pastoral Administrator
Barbara directs the overall business operations of the parish. Along with the pastor, she works with both the Pastoral Council and the Finance Council. Barbara also provides leadership in all areas of pastoral care, ensuring that the needs of parishioners are met. Barbara began working at St. Thomas in 2018.
Erin O’Leary
Pastoral Associate – Faith Formation
Erin oversees the faith formation and sacramental preparation for the parish. Erin joined St. Thomas the Apostle in 2025.
Christina Maas
Director of Liturgy and Music
Christina directs the parish choir and instrumentalists, rehearses cantors, and hires musicians as needed. She selects the music, plans liturgical seasons, coordinates liturgical environments, and recruits and schedules liturgical ministers. She also manages the sounds system, and prepares worship aids, general intercessions and scripts. Christina began working at St. Thomas the Apostle in July 2022.
Pat Adkins
Community Life Coordinator
Pat coordinates some of the social events at St Thomas the Apostle, including Coffee and Donuts, New Member Welcome, and the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. She is also coordinating our weekly live streaming of the Sunday Mass. Pat began working at St. Thomas the Apostle in 2021.
Abby Bosway
Coordinator of Confirmation & Youth Ministry
Abby coordinates the preparation for and reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation for the youth (typically 9th grade) of both St. Thomas the Apostle and Christ the King. She also serves as the youth minister for both parishes, serving youth in grades 6-12. Abby began her service to STA and CTK in 2024.
Esteban Cruz
Maintenance
Estaban is responsible for the weekday maintenance needs at St. Thomas the Apostle. He assists José Ortega to keep our grounds clean and safe. Estaban has worked at St. Thomas the Apostle since 2021.
Dottie Dolezal
Liturgical Accompanist
Dottie leads the assembly to full and active participation in the sung prayer of the liturgy. She also accompanies the choir and plans instrumental music for weddings and other liturgical events. Dottie has worked at St. Thomas the Apostle since 2004.
Adam Harvey
Facilities Manager
Adam is responsible for the day to day facility maintenance needs at St. Thomas the Apostle. Adam has worked at St. Thomas the Apostle since 2023.
Receptionist
Receptionist
The receptionist works with the pastoral administrator and office manager to ensure that the daily business operations of the parish function smoothly. She welcomes visitors to the Parish Center in the afternoons.
Casey Piersma
Nursery
Carol Solheid
Coordinator of First Reconciliation & First Communion
Carol coordinates the preparation for and reception of the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion for Children (typically 2nd grade). Carol is a former parish Trustee, former chair of the Pastoral Council, and a longtime catechist for children’s ministries. Carol joined the parish staff in 2024.
Cheryl Taylor
Coordinator of Faith Formation with Children
and Safe Environment Coordinator
Cheryl coordinates all aspects of our children’s faith formation ministries, which comprise Seeds (ages 3-5) and Liturgy of the Word with Children (ages 6 and older) on Sunday mornings and Faith Formation for All (grades K-8) on Wednesday evenings. She also manages the safe environment requirements for the parish as directed by the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Cheryl has been on staff at St. Thomas the Apostle since 2006.
