Clergy

Pastor

Fr. Paul O'Donnell
Ordained: March 20, 1993


Originally from Illinois, Fr. Paul spent some formative years in New Jersey before attending college at the California Institute of the Arts in Los Angeles. After 5 years of exhibiting professionally and illustrating books, he followed a strong call to the priesthood. His formation took place in Canada, Chicago and Rome. After his ordination in 1993, he was sent as a missionary to the Philippines for 7 years. Then followed mission experiences in Mexico before assignments at 2 parishes in South Central, Los Angeles. He spent 3 happy years as chaplain for the Carmelites of Alhambra, followed by more parish work in East LA, Santa Maria, and Lomita, California, where he has been pastor of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Catholic Church for the last 9 years. Besides painting, he is the author of 2 books—a collection of short stories, Night as Clear as Day, and a novella, A Place of Springs. When time allows, he enjoys writing “Catholic” songs and giving retreats. His 2 lifelong personal mottos have always been: “Deo Omnis Gloria” (To God all the Glory!) and St. Junipero Serra’s “Siempre Adelante!” (Always forward!)  He is very much looking forward to this new chapter of his life in Idaho where, by God’s grace, he will be serving the good people of St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Boise.

 

Parochial Vicar

Fr. Adrian Leszko
Ordained June 3rd, 2021


Fr. Adrian was born on March 20, 1992 and raised in Białystok, Poland.  After joining the group of altar boys in his parish his love of the Holy Mass, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the Lord began to grow deeper. With the guidance of his pastor and parochial vicars, at the age of eleven, he decided to become a priest.

His formation and studies brought him to Miejsce Piastowe, Viterbo, Kracow, and Orchard Lake, Michigan. The Diocese of Boise was blessed by his acceptance as a seminarian on August 28, 2019. He was Ordained to the Priesthood on June 3, 2021, and began his assignment as Parochial Vicar for St. Mark’s on July 6th, 2021.

Fr. Leszko’s hobbies include traveling, reading, hiking, and swimming. He enjoys singing and playing the guitar. He hopes to immerse himself in all the workings of a parish, including RCIA, annulment work, and ministry to the sick and dying.


 

Deacons

Deacon Chris Privon                             

Ordained: October 10, 2020

Deacon Chris and his wife Keron met in college and have been married for 39 years. They have 3 sons and two grandsons. Keron sews/embroiders the Baptismal gowns for youth and infant Baptisms. In addition to helping as a Spiritual Advisor and the Sacraments; Mass, Weddings, Funerals, and Baptisms; Chris focuses on the Spiritual Works of Mercy: Helping St. Mark’s parishioners learn about our faith and help them be open to talking with others about our beliefs. Chris teaches RCIA, various Bible Studies, and some of the Youth Group classes. He is working with the team that is developing plans to engage the NONES (not religiously affiliated youth and adults), works with the Cursillo Men’s Team, and represents the Deacons on the Pastoral and Finance Councils.

Deacon Don Blythe

Ordained: October 27, 2012

Deacon Don participated in RCIA classes in 1997 when he came into the church at the Easter Vigil of that same year. Deacon Don was ordained for Holy Apostles in October 2012. Nine years ago, with the shortage of priests in the diocese, he was asked to move to Risen Christ and care for the day-to-day operations of the parish, in the absence of the priest. Deacon Don and his wife Wendi will celebrate 25 years of marriage in December 2022. They have 2 children: Leighton, and Alli. Deacon Don enjoys spending time with his family, watching his kids sporting events, hunting, and fishing. He is happy to be here and looking forward to serving St. Mark’s as Deacon, and Director of Ministries & Facilities.

 Deacon Clyde Brinegar

Deacon Clyde Brinegar
Ordained: October 26, 2013 

Deacon Clyde is a native of Idaho, born in Weiser and raised in Burley. He and his wife Kathleen met at Idaho State University and have been married for over 34 years. They have three children, Katy, Keriann, and Mark.
In addition to helping as a Spiritual Advisor and the Sacraments; Mass, Weddings, Funerals, and Baptisms; Clyde focuses his ministry efforts on Mercy Night (Spiritual Works of Mercy of being there for those needing quiet prayer after Reconciliation), and Wednesday’s School Mass, and Ecumenism (to promote mutual understanding and, ultimately, unity among all Christians).

 Deacon Mike Lowe

Deacon Mike Lowe

Ordained:

Deacon Mike and his wife (Linda) are actively involved in St. Marks. He and his wife met in high school over 50 years ago, and they now have three boys and seven grandchildren. Linda is involved in the Quilting ministry and Extraordinary Eucharistic Outreach.

Though Deacon Mike is retired he continues to focus on Corporal Works of Mercy: The Lazarus ministry, comforting the grieving and praying for the living and the dead, helping families plan a vigil or funeral; and represents the Deacons on the Liturgy Committee. Deacon Mike also helps as a Spiritual Advisor with the Sacraments; Mass, Weddings, Funerals, and Baptisms. 

 Deacon Terry Nelson

Deacon Terry A. Nelson
Ordained: October 27, 2012

Deacon Terry was a Pharmacist for 40 years. He and his wife met through their children and have been married for 22 years. They have 6 children and 10 grandchildren in a combined family. Interests include family, model trains, and, fly fishing in a float tube. Rita's interests include artwork and fishing and she is involved in divorce survival and St. Vincent de Paul. In addition to helping as a Spiritual Advisor and the Sacraments; Mass, Weddings, Funerals and Baptisms; Terry focuses his ministry efforts on: Corporal Works of Mercy: St Vincent de Paul (I was hungry and you gave me food,… Lending a listening ear to those going through a tough time) , Spiritual works of Mercy and healing through Divorce survival and annulments and outreach (visiting the sick) at Valley View nursing home.

 Deacon Joe Rodriguez

Deacon Joe Rodriguez
Ordained: September 10, 2005

Deacon Joe is fluent in both English and Spanish. He and his wife, Alma, have been an integral part of the St. Mark’s Catholic Community for many years. In addition to helping as a Spiritual Advisor and the Sacraments; Mass, Weddings, Funerals, and Baptisms; Joe focuses his ministry efforts on Latino ministry, Corporal works of Mercy- Jail ministry(‘in prison and you visited me’), Outreach (‘visiting the sick’); Cursillo ministry, Legion of Mary ministry and helps out at the Nazareth Retreat Center when he can.

Deacon Pete Lauder
Ordained: October 17th, 2015

Deacon Pete and his wife Jan have been married for 46 years. They have 3 sons, and 1 daughter and have been blessed with 9 grandchildren. He, Jan, and their son Jack recently moved from Fullerton CA to Meridian, following their daughter Theresa and
her family. They served at St. Juliana Parish for many years. Jan volunteered as a lector, wedding coordinator, and Eucharistic minister. Deacon Pete was active in the Bereavement community, St. Vincent de Paul Society, and the Knights of Columbus. They are members of the American Confraternity of the Holy Shroud and have been commissioned to make presentations on the miracle of the Holy Shroud of Turin, the most studied relic in history. The Lauders are very glad to live in Idaho and look forward to serving St. Mark’s in any capacity needed.