Meet Our Leaders
Rev. Maggie Gann
Lead Pastor
Hi there! I find Divine connection through curiosity and delight, and seek to follow their callings with creativity and kindness, even when they call me into unexpected places. I am a fan of liberation theologies; love to grow tomatoes; am an unapologetic fat futurist; sing with the St. Louis Symphony’s In Unison Chorus; and want to pet your dog. My husband, Steve, and I live in University City where we host a weekly virtual D&D game. I didn’t grow up Catholic, but because of the open, curious wisdom at the center of Sts. Clare & Francis, what makes me different is a gift, and I’m grateful for the home I’ve found here among her people. I’d love to grab a cup of coffee, tell you my story, and hear where you hear God’s voice speaking to you. +++ Pastor Maggie joined Sts. Clare & Francis in January of 2023. She holds an MDiv from Boston University School of Theology where she specialized in liturgy and in community engagement. Prior to coming to SCF, she served on staff at United Methodist, PCUSA, and Baptist churches; worked as a liturgy consultant for UCC, PCUSA, Episcopalian, and United Methodist congregations; and was the solo pastor of a United Methodist church. In 2020 her Maundy Thursday liturgy was published as part of the United Methodist Theologian’s Covid resources, and was used in over 200 churches of all denominations across the nation.
Pastor Maggie's book recommendations:
Fat Church, Rev. Dr. Anastasia Kidd
A great read on how the church can reimagine (and, in many cases, recover) its relationship with bodies that don't fit within culturally approved standards.
She Who Became the Sun, Shelley Parker-Chan
A beautifully written fiction book about gender, power, and finding yourself.
My Body and Other Crumbling Empires: Lessons for Healing in a World that is Sick, Lyndsey Medford
How living with chronic illness reveals a world that could be more nourishing for everyone.
A Psalm for the Wild-Built, Becky Chambers
A gentle post post-apocalyptic tale of human/robot friendship, making community, and the healing power of a good cup of hot tea.
This Here Flesh: Spirituality, Liberation, and the Stories That Make Us, Cole Arthur Riley
A spiritual memoire about generational inheritance borne of the Black contemplative tradition.
The Princess Bride, S. Morgenstern
A classic tale of love and high adventure. Yes, it's a kissing book.
Therese Michalski Gabriel
Parish Council Co-Chair
My relationship with the Ecumenical Catholic Communion started many years ago here in St. Louis when my partner Judy and I attended mass at Sts. Clare and Francis. We were welcomed with open arms and immediately felt “at home”. We had both been very involved in our local Roman Catholic parishes but as the saying goes, "Don’t go where you are tolerated, go where you are celebrated!” My passion for the ECC and Sts. Clare & Francis is something that I have experienced only a few times in my life. The inclusiveness and respect shown to the laity is something that I feel, truly follows the teachings of Christ. It has always been something I am proud to share with family and friends who are curious about this “other Catholic church”. As I mentioned, I share my life with my partner of 3 decades, our 6 grown children and their spouses and significant others, and 8 beautiful grandchildren! Usually, you will find us planning for a visit with family or friends who are scattered all over the country. Judy is retired, and I continue to work from home as the Family Care Specialist for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. I enjoy gardening, decorating, baking treats for friends and teaching cooking classes in my home.
Caitlyn Hagarty
Parish Council Co-Chair
Q: Why have you chosen to give your energy to Sts. Clare & Francis? A: I love our theological slogan that God is in everyone, everywhere, equally. This is what Church should be and I want to bring this to the wider St. Louis community. Q: What brings you joy or connection? A: Listening to music, especially live performances. I also experience deep connection when I stargaze. Q: What book, movie, or other piece of media would you recommend? A: To Bless the Space Between Us by John O'Donohue and The Way of the Rose: The Radical Path of the Divine Feminine Hidden in the Rosary by Clark Strand and Perdita Finn
Karen Diehl
Parish Council Member
I discovered Sts. Clare and Francis soon after it was formed. I always had a love/hate relationship with the Roman Catholic church despite 16 years of catholic education. When I first attended mass at SCF, I was reminded of my days at midnight mass in the “lower church” at SLU in the early 70s with the St. Louis Jesuits. I felt alive and involved and welcomed by the community. Although I am heterosexual, some of my best friends are gay and lesbian and I appreciate the inclusive and distinctive community that is SCF where all are welcome. In Clare and Francis, there is a community of love, hope, and faithfulness. It is a place of unity and service. In many ways, it feels like what the early church must have been like—small communities of believers sharing in the message of Jesus.
George von Stamwitz
Parish Council Member
Bio coming soon!
Jim Schneider
Finance Committee Chair
Bio coming soon!
Luanne Gilbertson
Office Administrator
I feel very happy to give my personal time to assist with some of the administrative aspects of Saints Claire and Francis ECC. It is a small gift of time that I can give to my chosen faith community. I find great joy in spending time with my family, that is now spread out across the county. My husband and I love to hike and travel. I also take pleasure in reading and doing puzzles. If you are looking for a book, I would recommend either Hamnet or The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell. Her writing is extremely lovely and carries me away to other times with characters that I grow to love.
Bishop Francis Krebs
Presiding Bishop, retired
Bio coming soon!