Parish Staff
Rev. Nick Kayongo
Priest Administrator
It was in 1997 back at home [in Uganda] when we were visited by a humble Roman Catholic Priest who happens to be a paternal uncle. He celebrated Mass for us at home and he was so composed during Mass. The way he rested his fingers on his chest left me searching for what that posture meant while at Mass! With my frequent attendance of the Sunday Masses, it so happened the altar servers (majority minor seminaries) also rested their fingers always on their chests like Uncle Father. Gradually, I was introduced to the altar servers' community at the parish and served in several Masses. One day, a smart seminarian in his pastoral spiritual year, belonging to the Congregation of Holy Cross in Jinja, asked me whether I wanted to join the seminary. The answer was obviously yes, and he said we should pray over it. He was ordained a priest and he still encouraged me. By God's Grace, I was able to complete my Minor and Major seminary studies, and in August 9, 2014, I was ordained a priest to serve the people of God.
Family - We were born three boys and two girls. I am the last born. Dad is still alive though a bit weak. Mum passed on last year on 22-Nov-2020 at the age of 68. We always pray for her soul to rest in Peace. I have three nieces and three nephews.
I would like to be called Fr. Nick, THOUGH you are free to call me Fr. Nicholas.
Debbie Adams
Director of Religious Education
Debbie's responsibilities in the parish include Faith Formation and Sacramental Preparation, including OCIA. Debbie earned a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Ministry from the University of Portland in 2011. In the same year she also completed the Christifideles Program administered by the Archdiocese of Seattle. Debbie lives in Battle Ground with her husband Jim, assorted animals (including chickens) and enjoys hiking and camping along the coast. Contact Debbie at debbie@sacredheartbg.org
Michelle Gronewold
Pastoral Assistant for Faith Formation
Michelle directs Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at Sacred Heart for children in pre-Kindergarten through third grade. She is a trained Level 1 (ages 3-6) and Level 2 (ages 6-9) catechist, and earned a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota in 2023. She grew up in Iowa as part of a large, Catholic family, having five younger siblings and 67 first cousins (!) and had lived in the midwest until her family moved to Washington in the fall of 2019. Michelle has worked in children's, teen, and family ministry for the last ten years. Michelle likes to hike, play pickleball, read, and knit in her spare time. Contact Michelle at m.gronewold@sacredheartbg.org
Debbie Wilson
Pastoral Assistant for Administration
Debbie assists Fr. Nick with the administrative functions of the parish. Her responsibilities include parish finance, human resources, property and building maintenance, and management of the parish cemetery. Debbie lives in Vancouver with her husband Steve and her dog Maggie. Debbie’s two grown children live nearby. She loves reading, swimming and spending time with her 3 grandchildren. Contact Debbie at d.wilson@sacredheartbg.org.
Garri Linardos
Parish SEcretary
Garri is the Secretary. Her duties include greeting visitors, bulletin editor, parish mailings, and administrative tasks for the parish staff. Her email address is g.linardos@sacredheartbg.org.
Doug Moschetti
Facilities Manager
Doug assists the PAA with the property and building maintenance of both St. Joseph and Sacred Heart, as well as the rectory. He also helps coordinate safety and compliance programs and performs minor repairs and maintenance as needed. He may be reached at d.moschetti@sacredheartbg.org.
