Fr. Matthew's Installation as Pastor of Risen Savior Celebration

On July 7, 2024, Fr. Matthew Malek was installed as Pastor of Church of the Risen Savior by Archbishop Bernard Hebda.

It was a truly spectacular celebration of the Risen Savior parish.

Click here to watch the Installation Mass.

Watch the slide show of Fr. Matthew's Installation Mass below. The first photo in the series is courtesy of Beth Remarcke, all other photos are courtesy of Bredka Foto y Video.

Contact: Marianne Brass, marianne.brass@risensavior.org, (952) 698-1714

Two men shaking hands by a car.
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A religious ceremony with a cross and censer.
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A woman receives communion during a church service.
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Meet Our Staff

Man in purple robe with cross symbol.

Fr. Matthew Malek

Pastor

(952) 698-1710

Fr. Matthew Malek

Fr. Matthew Malek is a Conventual Franciscan priest and a supervised Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who does therapy with individuals, couples, and families at Risen Savior. Fr. Matthew regularly presides at two weekend Masses.

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Fr. Mario Castagnola

Parochial Vicar

(952) 698-1731

Fr. Mario Castagnola

My name is Fr. Mario Castagnola, and I am a Peruvian priest belonging to the Pro Ecclesia Sancta (PES) Institute, a young religious community born in Peru and founded by the Spanish Jesuit priest, Pablo Menor, in 1994. The community is now present in several counties in North and South America, and Europe.

I was born in 1972 and made my primary and secondary school years in a French school in Lima. After concluding studies in forestry engineering at the Agrarian University La Molina in Lima, Peru, I joined the religious life in 1999 and began the novitiate of PES in Peru. After finishing 3 years of formation there, I joined our community in Madrid, Spain, to begin studies at the Saint Damasus Ecclesiastical University in philosophy and theology and support our new foundation there. Along the regular philosophical and theological studies, I deepened my knowledge in Latin and Greek, taking extra classes.

In 2008, I returned to Peru and was ordained a priest in December 2010. Once ordained a priest, I fulfilled different roles, as chaplain, missionary priest, and educator in northern Peru, until 2015. In that year, I joined a PES community in Sacramento, California, where I supported several parishes as a sacramental minister, a chaplain for the Catholic Advance Lay movement and served as a teacher at Valley of the Sacred Heart School in Dixon, California.

In 2018, I moved to our Saint Paul, MN, community, where I served as parochial vicar in three different parishes. Currently, I work at the Church of the Risen Savior in Burnsville, since the beginning of 2022.

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Jose Luis Rodriguez

Deacon

(952) 431-5222

Jose Luis Rodriguez

My name is Jose Luis Rodriguez. I had my own plans for my life, but I told the Lord, if you want me to be a deacon, show me the way, and he did so, because every year during the formation process he reaffirmed that was the way through the scrutiny, an evaluation of the formation with diaconate program leaders. 

A truck driver for Guillen Trucking in St. Paul, I was already serving my parish, Sts. Cyril and Methodius in Minneapolis, when I learned about the diaconate vocation and decided to discern it myself. Formation was challenging, because, as an immigrant from El Salvador, English is my second language. But I persevered, and the language barrier lessened over time. The formation process for the diaconate has been rewarding since I have grown more as a person and my spiritual life has taken a considerable turn towards the knowledge of the divine. My aim is to help people to draw close to God, configured in Christ the servant, especially through sharing the Church’s teachings through catechism and evangelization. 

My wife, Marlene Rodriguez Batres, and I have three adult children and four grandchildren. My family always supports me morally and spiritually through prayer and collaborating in whatever is necessary. I especially look to two saints as models, St. Therese of Lisieux, because she considers herself a small soul that needs a lot of help; I identify with her. And St. Teresa of Kolkata, for serving those most in need. I want to follow her example. I want to offer my life in service to the Church to collaborate with the mission of the Church in the world. 

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Marvin Beltran

Weekend Custodian

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Marianne Brass

Communications & Community Life
Safe Environment
Bulletin Editor

(952) 698-1714

Marianne Brass

I have been a parishioner at Risen Savior since 1993; I joined the Risen Savior staff in 1999.

My professional background is business administration. I currently serve as the Communications & Community Life and Safe Environment Coordinator. This job provides an ideal combination of creativity and involvement with Risen Savior parishioners. It is the perfect opportunity to support the Risen Savior community in the mission to open our doors to all and to love and serve. It is a pleasure working with staff, many different groups, and volunteers.

Risen Savior is a great place to work and a wonderful place to worship!

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Ben Caduff

Adult Faith Formation Coordinator

(952) 698-1724

Ben Caduff

I am excited to join the Risen Savior community and staff as Adult Faith Formation Coordinator. I bring to
Risen Savior over 18 years of experience in faith formation having worked in the Basilica of St. Mary and
Our Lady of Lourdes in Minneapolis.
I have many years of experience working with different groups of adults particularly in RCIA, small groups
including a variety of Bible studies, social justice initiatives, and organizing volunteers in many areas
within parish life.
I have a bachelor’s degree in theology from the University of Saint Thomas. I also hold a Master of
Divinity and Master of Arts: Systematic Theology degree from Saint John’s School of Theology/Seminary.
I live in Rosemount with my wife and two children.

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Dave Dinh

Youth Ministry Associate

(952) 698-1711

Dave Dinh

Coming Soon

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Rebecca Dobias

Liturgy Assistant

(952) 698-1725

Rebecca Dobias

I’m Rebecca Dobias and have been serving the community at Risen Savior as Liturgy Assistant since October of 2020. I am truly honored to be serving this welcoming and wonderful community. I grew up in the diocese of St. Paul as a member of St. Joseph's parish in Rosemount for much of my life. I was lucky enough to attend parochial school there, which allowed me to learn and grow in my faith with a wonderful community. From there, I went to the Academy of Holy Angels, and eventually received my bachelor’s degree in English and Communication Studies from St. Catherine University in St. Paul. I worked for the Sisters for five years as a program support associate for their ministry Wisdom Ways Center for Spirituality.

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Poli Hernandez

Custodian

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Sandy Jimenez

Music Ministry

(952) 698-1715

Sandy Jimenez

Dios me regalo la gracias de tener una familia desde el 2012 en Risen Savior y trabajar en el ministerio latino como director de música en la liturgia y trabajar en muchos proyectos y ministerios para la iglesia y mi comunidad. Soy productor musical, diseñador grafico y Ingeniero en sistema de computadora.

Como parte de la Familia Risen Savior, encontré ese apoyo y fortaleza que necesito un emigrante joven que salió en busca de un sueño de vida. He vivido grandes momentos en la comunidad, de alegrías, tristezas y perdidas y retos y la comunidad me hadado en todo momento un “Aquí estamos, para ti”.

Gracias infinitas a Dios por esta Bendición de Mi Iglesia Risen Savior y mi comunidad.

God gave me the grace to have a family since 2012 in Risen Savior and work in the Latino ministry as director of music in the liturgy and work on many projects and ministries for the church and my community. I am a music producer, graphic designer, and computer system engineer.

As part of the Risen Savior family, I found that support and strength that a young immigrant who left in search of a life dream needed. I have experienced great moments in the community, of joy, sadness, loss and challenges, and the community has always given me a “We are here for you.”

Infinite thanks to God for this Blessing of my Risen Savior Church and my community.

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Rae Ann Konkol

Director of Family & Youth Formation, Baptism Coordinator

(952) 698-1727

Rae Ann Konkol

I have been the Secondary Faith Formation Coordinator at Risen Savior since August of 2015 and Director of Family and Youth Formation since 2022. I come to Risen Savior with over twenty-five years of experience in Faith Formation, having worked in the Winona and St. Cloud Dioceses, and the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

I have a BA in Religion and Sociology from St. Olaf College and a MA in Pastoral Ministry from St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN. My favorite part of ministry with teens is seeing students realize how much God loves them, and they can share that love with others. I love ministering with children and teens of Risen Savior and helping them grow in their relationship with God.

I have been married to my husband, Jeff, since 1995. We have two wonderful sons, Greg and Stephen. In my spare time I love to read, do crossword puzzles, and camp with my family.

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Carmen Marin

Latino Ministry Coordinator

(952) 698-1716

Carmen Marin

My name is Carmen Marin; I am a Mexican immigrant who has been part of the Risen Savior staff since June 2004. As Pastoral Associate for the Latino Ministry, for all this time, it has been a privilege to be the bridge person between the Anglo community and the Latino community. My job has been to coordinate the ministries in Spanish, except faith formation for children and youth. I prepare the Liturgies in Spanish and collaborate with bilingual services or programs.
I am part of the "RCIA" sacramental preparation team for adults, support the priests, train the volunteers, give pastoral care to those looking for health resources, financial help, and find legal resources for our brothers who have recently arrived in the parish. I organize the events with the Latino Commission and the Guadalupe Committee.

I have certification as a Lay Pastoral Minister from the University of Saint Thomas and I am currently in my second year of study for the Masters of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University Chicago, "MAPS" which is a blessing from God for me as a professional and for my work in this multicultural community.

I really enjoy working at Risen Savior as it has become my second home. I feel very grateful and blessed to have the love of my family, my husband, my children, and grandchildren. I am here to help, love and serve.

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Gerardo Marin

Maintenance Chief

(952) 698-1726

Gerardo Marin

I have been working at Risen Savior since 2009. I am honored by the opportunity to take care of the building and the rectory, of the parish. I oversee the maintenance, cleaning, set-ups, and security of the building inside and outside.

From 2013 to 2016, I studied at Saint Thomas University in Saint, Paul MN and graduated as Lay Pastoral Minister. This formation has given me the opportunity to serve as a volunteer teaching adult catechetical formation in the RCIA process and in pre-baptismal preparation. I belong to the group of Latino Knights of Columbus since 2015, and I really like to help everyone in their needs.

I am married, and my wife, Carmen and I, have a lot of fun with our children and grandchildren. I am grateful to God for being part of the Risen Savior staff.

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Sherwin Pasillos

Parish Administrator

(952) 698-1720

Sherwin Pasillos

My name is Sherwin Pasillos and I am very excited to be part of the Risen Savior Church.

I was born and raised in the Philippines, and in the last 23 years, I have been living in the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. territory in the Pacific. Family led me to Minnesota as my youngest sibling has been living here for over 10 years. I decided to move to be closer to her and her family. I grew up Catholic, as most Filipinos do, going to Church on Sundays and observing most of the same traditions observed here in the parish.

I went to a Catholic high school and university, where I graduated with a degree in accounting. Thereafter, I earned my license and worked in various accounting and finance roles; and most recently as the Finance Officer in the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa in the Mariana Islands. The diocese in the Marianas is multicultural - Chamorros, Carolinians, Americans, Filipinos, Koreans, etc.

Coming from this background, I am excited about the rich mixture of cultures here in the Risen Savior Church. I look forward to meeting not only other Filipinos, but also everyone else in the parish.

I truly appreciate the trust and opportunity to be of service as Parish Administrator.

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Nalleli Renteria

Latino Faith Formation & Youth Ministry

(952) 698-1713

Nalleli Renteria

I am 36 years old, I’m married and have 3 kids, two girls and a boy. I was born in Guadalajara, Mexico. My parents brought me to the United States when I was 9 years old. I have been serving God for 2 years, one year as a catechist for Spanish & English-speaking Faith Formation. I am glad that I can work for both communities, and act as a bridge between both.

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Melanie Rodriguez

Receptionist

(952) 698-1719

Melanie Rodriguez

My name is Melanie Rodriguez. I have been at Risen Savior since I was about two years old. Ever since I can remember, I have been volunteering for our parish. I graduated from Apple Valley High school in 2020. I am currently a student at Normandale and am hoping to transfer to finish my Bachelors. In my free time I enjoy travelling with my friends and family.

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Kevin Rotty

Director of Liturgy & Music

(952) 698-1728

Kevin Rotty

I have been involved in church music since I learned to play the guitar in the mid 1970’s. I got my start in doing church music for a living in 1999 and have been at Risen Savior since 2005. Over the last 30 years, I have worked regionally, nationally, and internationally in professional theatre as a musical director, composer, and performer. Since 2004, I have done over 2,500 dueling pianos performances at various venues and most recently for my own company, Sweet Keys Dueling Pianos. As an educator, I have served as Voice Faculty at MacPhail Center for Music, as Voice Department Chair for McNally Smith College of Music, as well as a Music Specialist in Apple Valley and Wayzata school districts. My wife, Jennifer, and I have been married since 1993 and have 2 fantastic daughters.

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Chris Sorensen

Pastoral Care Minister

(952) 698-1722

Chris Sorensen

I am a native of Massachusetts, but I have lived in Minnesota since 1989. I have been serving in Pastoral Ministry for 31 years, and on the staff of Risen Savior since 2012. It is an honor and a blessing for me to be the Pastoral Minister at Risen Savior. I love the people in this community. I witness the love and compassion of our God daily through this ministry of outreach and presence. My joy is being the mother of two daughters and one son and the grandmother of five amazing grandchildren. I love to read, to get together with family and friends for meals and conversation.

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Jessica Sosa

Pre-school & Elementary Faith Formation

(952) 679-1523

Jessica Sosa

Elementary and Preschool Faith Formation

jessica.sosa@risensavior.org
(952) 698-1717

My name is Jessica Sosa. I am the Elementary and Preschool Faith Formation coordinator at Risen Savior. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Dual Language & Immersion Education Post Baccalaureate Certificate. I have been teaching first grade in the Richfield School District for five years.

I was born in Passaic, New Jersey, and moved to Apple Valley, Minnesota, in 2003. I am married to Nolberto Sosa and have three beautiful, curious children, Roxanna (5), Alena (2), and Noe (8 months). I love to ride my bike and go for walks with my kiddos. We also enjoy water parks and road trips.

I am so excited to be here, and I look forward to meeting all of you and learning more about your families.

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