St. Ann Parish Staff
Pastor
Fr. Danny Cogut
Fr. Danny grew up in Falls Church, in northern Virginia. He is the youngest of three, with two older sisters, and his mother is Filipino. He went to Catholic school for both grade school and high school, then went to the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, where he received a B.S. in mathematics and computer science in 2007. After receiving an M.S. in operations research from W&M in 2008, he worked as a defense analyst in Dahlgren, VA. Fr. Danny started discerning God's call in his life to seminary and the priesthood in the fall of 2008, and in August 2009, he entered formation for the Diocese of Richmond at St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore. He was ordained a priest on June 6, 2015, and he’s been blessed to serve as pastor here at St. Ann since August 2016.
Pastoral Associate
Katie Johnson
Katie Johnson grew up in Northern Virginia where she was an active participant in music ministry and liturgy from an early age. She graduated from the College of William & Mary with a B.A. in Government and Religion and then embarked on what would be more than 25 years of ministry in high school education. She earned a Master of Divinity from Yale University and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (concentration in Pastoral Leadership) from the Washington Theological Union. She has served as a parish liturgist and cantor, been active in social justice ministries, and she has trained as a hospital chaplain. She has a large extended family and her two favorite places in the world are the city of Jerusalem and Acadia National Park in Maine.
Business Manager
Melissa Pakurar
Melissa Pakurar comes from a military family. Growing up in Florida and moved to Atlanta in her mid teens. She moved to Virginia in 2010. She comes to us with over 15 years of banking experience. She holds a degree in Computer Programming. She is married with three children and a Great Dane. They are active in the Parish and community while on the run to cheer competitions, softball, swim competitions, boy scouts and football. Her favorite place to be is with her family and at the beach.
Bookkeeper
Lauren Torres
Lauren Torres is a New Jersey native, who has served as an Air Force wife for 6 years before settling down in Virginia. She studied Accounting and Business Administration at Berkeley College in New Jersey and comes to St Ann’s with finance experience from Drake Bakeries, Safilo USA, and her Administrative experience with Shaw E & I. She is married to a fire fighter and is mother of 2 very fine boys who keep her busy at Orchestra performances, school events and Boy Scouts. When you can’t find Lauren in her craft space sewing, making jewelry or painting, then you’re sure to spot her with a cookbook in her hands. Her most treasured moments are with her family, best spent at the beach or sitting around the fire making s’mores.
Secretary/Administrative Assistant
Renee Agius
Renee Agius grew up in Southeastern Michigan. She moved to Virginia in 2004. Renee and her husband have been members of St. Ann’s church since 2007. They have two children and have been involved in many of the children’s ministries over the years. Renee has a Bachelor degree in Art History Management from the University of Michigan and has numerous certifications in various forms of Fitness. She has been a stay-at-home mom since 2010 reentering the workforce in July of 2016 as St. Ann’s Parish Secretary.
Music Coordinator
Chris Lothamer
Chris Lothamer grew up on his families produce farm and retail market in Southern Michigan where attending church and developing a strong faith were foremost. The youngest of 14 children, he has witnessed many family members receiving sacraments usually officiated by his oldest brother, a priest of the Lansing Diocese. Chris has been involved in Music Ministry all his life, being a member of choir or church musician wherever he’s lived. He most recently served as Music Coordinator at St Joseph, and St. James. With a B.S. in Food Marketing from Western Michigan University he has continued to work in the food industry, has 3 wonderful children, and is very glad to be here.
Director of Religious Education
Dr. Patricia Clement, D.Min
Patricia Clement is a native of New Orleans and has served in the ministry of Faith Formation and Parish Leadership for over 25 years. She has degrees in Education, Theology and a Doctorate in Ministry with specialty studies in Rome. Her publishing credits include catechist resources for St. Mary’s Press and Wm. H. Sadlier Publications, as well as articles in Today’s Parish and Catechetical Leader Magazine. Patricia shares her home with Mr. Bojangles, a rescue dog who is now a nationally registered Therapy Dog. Together they bring doggie smiles to area nursing homes.
Coordinator of Elementary Christian Formation
Linda Mingos
Linda Mingos was born and raised in Pottsville, PA. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Art Education from Mansfield University , a Masters Degree in Special Education from Virginia Commonwealth University, and is currently working towards a Post-Graduate Certificate in Theology from Saint Leo University. Linda has worked for 30 years in community based services, as well as public education serving the needs of children and adults with exceptional needs. Linda has been married for 32 years, and is the proud parent of two adult children. She and her family have been members of St. Ann Parish since 1989. In addition to her current position as the Coordinator of Elementary Christian Formation, Linda also enjoys facilitating a team that coordinates the annual Women’s Retreat which is held at St. Ann. Linda enjoys quilting, reading, spending time with friends, and she enjoys the company of several rescue dogs and cats.
Youth Minister
Elise Chapman
People always ask me “Where are you from?” My standard response is that it depends on how you look at it! I was born in Baumholder, Germany, daughter #1 of 4 (followed by a brother) into an Army family which meant that we physically have lived in many places, Georgia, Massachusetts, Germany and Virginia. After Dad’s second tour in Germany we settled for good in Virginia which my Yankee parents say has the best of all worlds-4 clear seasons, mountains and oceans! I also consider myself “from” Virginia Tech where I completed my undergraduate degree in Family and Child Development in 1984 and from Boston College where I completed my Master’s Degree in Religious Education in 2007. I love being “from” St. Ann Catholic Church where I am currently in my 20th year of being a Youth Minister. I am totally and completely “from” the Chapman family which include my husband, Chris and my son, Jamie. They are my loves, my life line and my top priority in life! When I’m not at work (like that ever happensJ) I love spending time with my nieces and nephews (all 16 1/2 of them) reading, traveling and of course hanging out on the baseball fields where Jamie is pitching! God has blessed me with multitudes of memory making moments and opportunities to share my God Stories! Being at St. Ann’s is certainly one of them.