Meet Our Staff

Deacon Michael McDonald

Deacon

Deacon Mike was ordained a Permanent Deacon in 2002. Prior to his retirement from the secular world in 2008, Deacon Mike worked in various careers: High School Teaching; Assistant Commissioner in New York City Government Administration; and Assistant Commissioner in New York State Government Administration. He was assigned to St. Mary’s parish in 2006. He has always been in love with this parish community and intends on continuing to assist all on their life’s journey.

Robert C. Desrosiers

Religious Education Coordinator

Robert "Bob" Desrosiers grew up in an active Catholic Family in Hartford and Wethersfield CT and attended both Catholic Grammar (St. Peter's) and College (Assumption College). With an ROTC Scholarship and Regular Army Commission, he served a career in the US Army from 1980-1997 and took an early retirement after serving as a Personnel and Public Affairs Officer. He Married Christa Desrosiers (also serving in the Army) in fall 1997 and as a retiree in Germany Bob served the Catholic Chaplain of the Heidelberg Community as a Pastoral and Liturgical Coordinator. Upon returning to the United States in fall of 2000, Bob (with great support from Christa) has served the St. Mary's Church Community as the Pastoral Coordinator of Faith Formation (Catechetical and Youth Minstry) and "other duties as assigned." Bob and his family love this area and Bob has no desire to ever leave! Bob is a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus (Council 548), a Life Member of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars and a member of the local American Legion Post 166.

Dawn Brownson

Parish Business and Operations Manager

Dawn has a degree from Siena College in accounting and has worked as a financial officer in
numerous positions in healthcare and non-profit organizations. She has been an analyst, auditor, department head and CFO in hospital settings and has worked as an accountant for The Columbia County Historical Society and most recently as Controller for the YWCA of Ulster County.

Dawn is the town historian for the Town of Clermont, south of Hudson, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience about accounting and organizational
operations and understands first-hand the mission and workings of parish life.