Al Risdorfer - ex officio Chair
John Hagens
Mike Nolet
Tony Bono

My 2 brothers, sister and I grew up in Philadelphia in a typical Irish-German-Italian, upper-lower-class, Catholic, Philly row-home home. Dad was a Philly cop (and a good one) and Mom worked at Sears to make ends meet.

From the time I was a small child, I was fascinated with being a priest. I eventually entered the St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia where I studied for 6 years. My undergrad degree is from St. Charles Borromeo. 

A short time after, that I entered the Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary but left before taking my first vows. 

I obtained a master’s degree in Organization Development from Antioch University and began a successful career as a human resources executive for companies ranging from small entrepreneurial startups, to global Fortune 300 tech firms. I am well known in the industry as a thought leader and change agent who is expert at building engaged cultures, effective leaders, market-facing capabilities and human capital strategies. 

I am also an openly gay man who has been active in the field of gay rights for decades. I am married to my incredible partner, Tony of over 30 years.

Late in 2017, after much study and prayer, I was at long last ordained a Deacon in May of 2018, and a priest on April 6th, 2019 within the CACINA denomination. We are no longer affiliated with CACINA. Instead, I am now incardinated in the American National Catholic Church, and one of the founders and pastor of Our Lady, UnDoer of Knots Inclusive Catholic Community.

See more at  https://www.father-al.com 

or email me at [email protected]

Stephen J. Stahley was born and raised in Philadelphia where he was part of a large, extended Irish Catholic family (the O’Neills of Olney).  After twelve years of education in the Archdiocesan school system, Stephen entered the seminary of the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity (STs) as a college freshman in 1969.   On the way to ordination in 1978, he acquired a BA degree in Philosophy from LaSalle College (now university) in Philadelphia and a Master of Arts in Religious Studies from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.  Following his ordination, Stephen served parishes in West Virginia and Kentucky before being named pastor of St. Agnes-Our Lady of Fatima parish in inner city Cleveland, Ohio where he served from 1982 to 1986.

In 1988, Stephen resigned from the Missionary Servants to marry Lisa Burner.  He and Lisa have two children, Thomas and Sarah—now in their mid-twenties.  Since resigning from the active priesthood, Stephen has worked in public service serving the City of Baltimore, Montgomery County (Maryland), and the State of Maryland (Department of Health/Behavioral Health Administration).  In 2003, at the request of his extended family, Stephen resumed part time priestly ministry by officiating at weddings and funerals and, since 2010, celebrating the Eucharist for the Dignity Community of Washington.  Over the past ten years, Stephen’s priestly ministry has continued to expand.

Deacon Frank J. Riggio-Preston was raised in a strong Roman Catholic family in New York City and attended Catholic schools for twelve years where he received excellent religious education and spiritual direction. Ordained to the Diaconate on September 20, 2025, by Bishop George Lucey, ANCC Presiding Bishop, he has long felt the call to serve God’s people through ministry and compassion.

His journey toward the diaconate began with his First Holy Communion and early service as an acolyte in both elementary and high school. As an adult, he continued to live out his vocation through service as a lector and acolyte in the Roman Catholic Church, the Episcopal Church and the Lutheran Church.

Deacon Frank graduated from the University of Maryland University College with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with two minor concentrations in Transportation and Russian Language Studies. He is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Theological Studies at the American National Catholic Theological Institute (ANCTI), the seminary of the American National Catholic Church (ANCC).

Deacon Frank is a para-educator in elementary education in Baltimore County Public Schools and provides intervention to students who need help in mathematics. Prior to this career, Frank worked in national defense in the U.S. Air Force in West Berlin and in Maryland, and as an IT analyst at Westinghouse Defense and Electronic in Maryland and Texas. In addition, he managed retail sales departments, information and computer operations in the U.S. and Canada, and visitor center and tourism services in Baltimore, Maryland.

Deacon Frank is dedicated to evangelism and social justice, focusing particularly on feeding the homeless and parish administration. His work reflects his deep commitment to serving others, nurturing faith, and embodying the Gospel message of love and inclusion. He will begin a weekly rosary online prayer ministry for all who wish to pray for the intercession of Our Lady Undoer of Knots at the beginning of 2026.

Deacon Frank enjoys reading, the beach, and classical music. He lives in Southeast Baltimore County with his husband, Gary, and their dog Buddy.

Brother Raphael Angel Aguon, a deacon within the American National Catholic Church, was ordained to the Order of Deacons in September 2025. He is currently advancing in theological and spiritual formation for ordination to the priesthood.

Brother Raphael is a professed member of the Carmelite Missionaries of Merciful Love in Action, a community established on July 16, 2025, rooted in the Carmelite tradition of contemplative prayer, interior quiet, and merciful service. The charism of the community emphasizes living the Gospel through compassion, simplicity, and a deep attentiveness to the presence of God in everyday life.

Before entering religious life, Brother Raphael served in a wide range of professional and ministerial roles, including military officer, licensed occupational therapist, educator, artist, and transformational life coach. These diverse experiences have shaped his pastoral vision and deepened his capacity to accompany God’s people with empathy, reverence, and wisdom.

Brother Raphael seeks to manifest the transforming love of Christ and to encourage an integrated approach to spiritual well-being—body, mind, and spirit. This commitment is further embodied in his work with the Living Life Well Institute, where he continues to guide individuals toward healing, purpose, and wholeness. He approaches his diaconal ministry with humility, dedication, and a steadfast desire to lead others into deeper communion with God.

Mike, Justine and John  are talented vocalists. In addtion, John and Mike serve on our Board.