Clergy
Fr. Michael St. Paul, Pastor: As the Pastor of Holy Trinity Father Michael shepherds our parish in all aspects including sacraments, formation, and finances. Prior to his priestly formation, Fr. Michael worked for the Walt Disney Company in various administration/management positions for over 20 years. In Fr. Michael’s vocation story he states, “I have worked for the ‘Magic Kingdom’ for half of my life and now I work for the Eternal Kingdom for the rest of my life!”
Fr. Paw Lwin, Parochial Vicar: Born and raised in Yangon, Myanmar, he relocated to Kansas City, Missouri, and completed his undergraduate studies at Conception Abbey Seminary College, followed by graduate studies at the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, IL. Ordained in 2002, his first assignment was at Our Lady of the Presentation Parish as Parochial Vicar, followed by two other assignments in Missouri. Fr. Paw moved to the Diocese of Orange in 2010 and has since served as Parochial Vicar at St. Timothy in Laguna Niguel, St. Martin de Porres in Yorba Linda, and Saint Mary’s in Fullerton. In 2015, he was transferred to Saint Pius V in Buena Park, first as a Pastoral Administrator and then as Pastor. In 2023, he transferred to Our Lady Queen of Angels in Newport Beach as a Parochial Vicar. As a priest, he is privileged to spend much of his time with parishioners, and he looks forward to meeting everyone.
Randy McMahon, Deacon: After his twenty-six year career as a Marine, Deacon Randy felt a call to be of service in his local community. Therefore, in the Spring of 1999, Randy made the decision to retire from Active Duty and concentrate his efforts on family and community. Holy Trinity has been blessed that Deacon Randy and his wife Linda, a retired U.S. Navy Officer, have helped build and shape our Holy Trinity community and ministries.
Frank Chavez, Deacon: Deacon Frank was ordained in 1984 and has served as director of the Office of the Diaconate for the past 22 years until his recent retirement. He served at St. Martin de Porres Parish, Yorba Linda; Christ Our Savior Parish, Santa Ana; and now serves at Christ Cathedral and Holy Trinity.
Deacon Anthony Palazzolo, Deacon: Deacon Anthony was ordained to the permanent diaconate on October 19, 2019. He has been married to his wife Rayann for 23 years and they have a 19 year old daughter and an 18 year old son. Deacon Anthony feels blessed to be part of the Holy Trinity family where he continues to do the Lord’s work that He is calling us all to do and serve with humility and joy.
Administration
Daniel Catania, Business & Facilities Manager: Native Argentinian. After working at the Diocese of Orange for two years, Daniel was assigned to Holy Trinity because of his unique pastoral approach to managing the parish business office and his evident love for our Catholic faith.
Jennifer Cahuantzi, Director of Faith Formation & Parish Life : Jennifer is a long time Holy Trinity Parishioner. She considers Holy Trinity her home away from home. Jennifer enjoys working with the children of our Parish and considers it is a blessing to see the light of Christ in their eyes. She also considers it an honor to help adults grow in their faith and walk alongside them to help prepare them for the sacramental life. Jennifer sings in the Music Ministry and is a Wedding Coordinator, as well.
Anna Moreno, Office Manager & Parish Reception, Monday-Thursday: Anna has always wanted to work for a Parish and found her dream job at Holy Trinity. She brings over thirty-two years of experience in administrative work. Anna’s motto “All are welcome” it’s evident when you walk in the office you are greeted with a smile. Anna has served as a volunteer in various capacities; Catechist for Confirmation, Quinceañera Coordinator, Wedding Coordinator, Hospitality, Lector and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.
Emmanuel Perez, Coordinator of Young Adult Discipleship & Hispanic Ministry: Emmanuel brings over 10 years of experience in sacramental preparation and youth ministry to Holy Trinity. His zeal for Christ has been contagious to all students in Middle School Faith Formation, High School Confirmation and HTYM. He is blessed to now work with young adults ages 18-39 to develop unique ministries for them. With the implementation of Life Teen, Emmanuel’s fresh approach invigorates our entire parish. While working on his undergrad, Emmanuel helped lead the V Encuentro initiative for Diocese of Fresno. This National initiative focused on empowering Hispanic/Latino communities to have a presence in parishes. This experience helped lay the foundation for forming the Holy Trinity Hispanic Community. Phone:
Beto Valdez, Coordinator of Youth Ministries & High School Confirmation: Beto had a profound encounter with Jesus during college. Throughout his undergraduate years at UC Riverside, he served in high school and college ministries, deepening his faith. For the past five years, he has dedicated himself to accompanying and evangelizing college students with Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) across five campuses in Texas and California, with UC Irvine being his most recent campus. He feels privileged to witness the transformation of college students as they encounter Jesus and His Church. With a deep desire to know Jesus more intimately and to make Him known, he is eager to serve and lead middle school and high school students, and to integrate himself into the Holy Trinity Parish Family.
Christina Mertens, Coordinator of Faith Formation & Parish Life: Christina has a natural gift for project management and process implementation. She also has a huge heart for serving God and His people. Especially, those in need. Christina serves in Faith Formation as well as Parish Life at Holy Trinity helping to create a strong foundation of faith and Catholic identity for our parish community.
Joanne Singer, Parish Receptionist, Friday-Saturday: Growing up in New Jersey, surrounded by a strong Irish-Catholic family and educated twelve years by the Sisters of Charity of Convent Station formed the basis of Joanne’s religion and spirituality. Moving to Southern California with her family opened many doors to serve the Catholic Church. Joanne enjoys working in the front office at Holy Trinity. She is inspired by the zeal, knowledge and dedication of our Priests, Office Staff, and Parishioners.