**Meet Paul Nelson**
**Council Member – St. Patrick’s, Moravia**

Welcome to our Parish Council’s corner! We’re blessed to have a diverse group of dedicated members who contribute their time and talents to the spiritual and communal life of the Good Shepherd Catholic Community. Among our esteemed members is Paul Nelson, serving his second term on the Parish Council.

Paul has been a dedicated member of St. Patrick’s in Moravia for 20+ years. Married to his beloved wife Janet for 54 years, Paul is a proud father of 12, and his family’s faith and dedication are a beacon of light in our parish community.

As a seasoned lector, Paul brings the Word of God to life during our services. His commitment to the ministry of the Word has enriched our liturgies and deepened our faith experiences.

In the digital realm, Paul has been the mastermind behind our parish website since 2004, serving as the webmaster with diligence and innovation as well as the administrator of the parish’s Facebook page and the new Facebook discussion group. His efforts have ensured that our parish has a welcoming and informative online presence, one that reflects the vibrancy and warmth of our community. Paul also designed the layout of the 2016 Parish Directory

Paul’s experience and profound commitment to our parish are invaluable. His wisdom, gained from many years of faithful service, helps guide our council in making decisions that enhance our community’s spiritual journey. His leadership on the council helps to ensure that GSCC remains a welcoming home for all who seek fellowship and faith. His particular goal is to encourage greater participation in the retreats at Notre Dame Retreat House.

Paul looks forward to offering continued guidance and wisdom on our Parish Council.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23

My name is Lori Kupiec and I am a member of the Pastoral Council here at Good Shepherd Catholic Community. I have been a member of our parish since 2015 when my Husband John and I moved to Union Springs. I spent many summers attending GSCC with my Grandma while visiting her summer cottage in Aurora. I am blessed to be a stay-at-home Mom to our 3 children, Anna 8, Kasia 5 and Troy almost 3! Our daughters attend St. Albert the Great Academy in Auburn and our eldest just receive her First Penance this December at St Michaels, Union Springs and her First Holy Communion this May at St Mary’s, Auburn.
Prior to joining the Pastoral Council in 2022, I had the opportunity to serve on the Finance Committee starting in 2017, I was the craft leader for our Marvolous Mystery VBS, and created the kids take and make kits this past Lenten season.
I am currently organizing a Parish Life group to help organize social activities for the members and youth in our parish and community. Including hosting Vacation Bible School this summer at St Patrick’s Aurora! Stay tuned for dates and ways to participate.

As a Good Shepherd Catholic Community Pastoral Council member, my goal is to represent parishioners and raise awareness about our church community. I joined GSCC in 1993 when I moved to King Ferry, New York. The Catholic church has always been a big part of my life. Growing up in Rhode Island, I attended St. Anthony’s church, where I received my sacraments and married Michael John Sheils of King Ferry, New York, in 1998. Michael and I met in college and live on Walter Corey Rd. in the Corey homestead, a beautiful farmhouse on a hill overlooking farm fields.
My parents, John Martin, a professional firefighter and farmer, and Roseanne Martin, a nurse, always prioritized sending my sisters and me to Catholic school. I graduated from Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River, Massachusetts. Throughout high school, I taught religious education to elementary students and incorporated agriculture into my lessons whenever possible. High school, 4-H, and farm life influenced my college decision. I attended Morrisville
State College, earning an animal science/dairy management associate degree. I then pursued a bachelor’s degree in animal science/agricultural economics and a masters in policy analysis and management at Cornell University.
My professional career has revolved around agricultural economics, supporting producers and young people in reaching their business and educational goals. I’ve
worked for Cornell University as a Cooperative Extension 4-H educator, NY FarmNet director, and undergraduate admissions executive director. My experience at Cornell eventually led me to SUNY, where I focused on working with campuses to enhance their student enrollment. Today, I blend my experiences as an admissions and enrollment consultant.