My name is Patty Karpus, and I serve as the Assistant Secretary and a member of the Capital Projects/Operations Committee on the Finance Council at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. I am new to the council as of 2024 and have taken on the role of Assistant Secretary, helping with meeting minutes and discussions on campus changes and overall parish finances.

I have been a parishioner at St. Michael since 1996. My husband, Tom, and I have raised our two children, Alison and Anthony, in this parish community. They attended ECC, St. Michael School, and graduated from Cardinal Gibbons High School. Anthony is attending NC State studying Electrical Engineering, and Alison is in medical school in Knoxville, TN.

I hold a Bachelor's degree from Virginia Tech and a Master’s degree from Syracuse University, both in Electrical Engineering, and I am PMP (Program Management Professional) certified. I began my career at GE Aerospace in sonar engineering for the Seawolf submarine in Syracuse, NY, then transitioned into hardware design roles at Ericsson Mobile Communications in RTP. Over the years, I have moved into Technology Program Management at various RTP companies and currently work as a Cybersecurity Engineering Manager at Cisco. My background in technology, budgeting, and project management has given me experience in overseeing resources and completing tasks according to schedule, which directly supports my role on the Finance Council.

Beyond my work with the council, I have been actively involved in various ministries at St. Michael’s. I have served on the planning committee for the International Festival, participated in small Christian communities, been on the leadership team for the Elizabeth Ministry, assisted with the Women’s Communion Breakfast committee, participated in the Wedding Ministry, and continue to serve as a Eucharistic Minister. Additionally, I am the program manager for the Angel Tree Program for A Doorway to Hope. Outside of St. Michael’s, I am part of the Parent Advisory Council at NC State, a member of an RTP running group, and involved with the Cisco Team for LLS – Light the Night. I also enjoy reading, traveling, and crafting.

What I enjoy most about being on the Finance Council is meeting new people and reconnecting with those I have worked with in other parish groups and ministries. I have loved learning more about the behind-the-scenes aspects of the council and having a voice in decisions that will impact the future of St. Michael’s.

My advice for anyone considering getting involved in parish life is to find a ministry that aligns with your interests and gifts. St. Michael’s is a large parish with many ministries and activities, making it much more than just a place to attend Mass. It has been a central part of my family’s life for the past 28 years, and I encourage others to get involved—it’s a wonderful way to meet people and strengthen your connection to the community.