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.
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.
Staff
Jennifer Cahuantzi, Director of Faith Formation & Parish Life: Jennifer serves as the Director of Faith Formation & Parish Life, helping individuals and families grow in their relationship with Christ and feel connected within the parish community. In addition to her leadership role, she is actively involved in parish life through the sacristan team, music ministry, and wedding coordination. Prior to serving the Church, Jennifer worked at Kohl’s for 17 years and most recently stepped away from what she once thought was her dream job to answer God’s call to ministry. Jennifer and her husband are raising their pre-teen daughter, who has essentially grown up at Holy Trinity. Together, their family shares a deep love for the parish and its mission.
Don Sando, Business & Facilities Manager: After four years in the seminary, Don shifted paths and earned an M.S.E.E. in Computer Engineering from USC. He began as a design engineer before moving into corporate marketing at Hewlett Packard and DH Technology, focusing on product growth, strategic planning, and international business development. For the past 20 years, he has led his own consulting firm, Strategic Results Group, working with CEOs, startups, and Catholic pastors and parishes in the Dioceses of Orange and San Diego, including offering leadership programs for pastors. Now, with his four children grown, Don hopes to serve the Church full-time. He is a Eucharistic Minister, serves the homebound, is active in OCIA and Couples Ministry, and chairs his parish’s Church and School Finance Council. His hobbies now include smoking meats, craft beer, and golf.
Brian Madigan, Director of Music: Brian has been performing, composing, teaching and directing music in Southern California for over 35 years. He has served at many churches, as well as private schools and Universities. Brian plays many instruments and has made a living teaching and performing on the guitar, piano, and voice. He has devoted his life to the overall music development and education of our youth, as well as the continued excellence in both the traditional and contemporary church music environment.
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.
Alicia McCallister, Youth & Confirmation Ministry Lead: Alicia comes to Holy Trinity after serving in youth ministry for over seven years, most recently at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Fountain Valley. She has led retreats, parish missions, small groups, and youth nights. She is inspired by the energy, honesty, and heart that teens bring to their faith. She has also had the unique blessing of serving as a missionary in Scotland and spending time in discernment with the Sisters of Life. These experiences have deepened her love for the Eucharist, devotion to Our Lady, and desire to help build vibrant and faith-filled community.
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:
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.