Father Edward Linton, O.S.B., was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and was raised there. He professed vows as a Benedictine monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey in 1986 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1991. Father Edward holds a Masters of Divinity from Saint Meinrad School of Theology, A Masters in English Literature from Middlebury College and a Doctorate in Speech Communication from Southern Illinois University. As a priest Father Edward has taught English at Saint Meinrad College and Communication at Southern Illinois University. Before coming to Saint James in 2002 he had served as associate pastor of Saint Benedict Cathedral in Evansville, Indiana.

One of Father Edward’s happiest experiences has been his pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Northwest Spain. In July 2001 and again, in January 2002 he walked 500 miles of the ancient pilgrimage to the tomb of the apostle James. The experience of walking such a long time and seeing the world as Jesus saw it (on foot) has been an incredible spiritual lesson that continues to instruct his preaching and pastoral ministry.

Like the many churches, monasteries, convents, and pilgrim hostels along the pilgrimage route to Santiago, Father Edward hopes that Saint James Church is a place of hospitality where people experience Christ who dwells in our midst.

In his spare time Father Edward enjoys spending time with friends, traveling (sort of an odd thing for a monk to enjoy!), and reading. Recently, has renewed an old hobby and started playing the trombone again and has become a member of the New Horizons Band.

Christine Pao is the Director of Stewardship and Business Manager for St. James. She brings a diverse set of gifts to her work, including degrees in physics and theology, experience in computer systems administration, and a love for singing and good music.

Christine’s work at St. James includes parish finance and administration, fundraising, communications, and facility management.

Christine grew up in Virginia and studied and worked in Massachusetts before moving to the Midwest in 2002. She likes living near and biking along Lake Michigan, which is a lot like the ocean, minus the salt breeze.

This is the first time in Geoff’s life that he has not had the word “music” in his official title…most people know him simply as the music director, although his role at Saint James encompasses liturgy, music, RCIA and some aspects of children’s faith formation.

Geoff is a native of the Pacific Northwest, having lived in Seattle for the past twenty years. While he loves Chicago, he misses Mount Rainer and the smell of salt water! Geoff grew up in the Evangelical Free Church and was received into full communion with the Catholic Church in his early twenties. He started playing the piano and organ in church when he was in junior high school and has been in full time music/liturgy ministry for almost twenty years. He has served in both large and small parishes, Catholic and Lutheran. Geoff holds a BA in Pastoral Studies from Southwestern College.

When he is not sitting at the piano bench, Geoff enjoys discovering the sights of Chicago, eating (a lot of eating!), reading, and painting.

Peter Wawire joined the St. James Parish staff in November 2007. He hails from Kenya, East Africa.

Sr. Barbara Rastatter is a Sister of the Presentation from Dubuque, Iowa. Sr. Barbara came to minister at St. James in August, 2001.

She was born and raised in Dubuque, Iowa, and before moving to Chicago, served schools and parishes in Iowa and South Dakota. Her years of ministry included teaching elementary and high school music and working as a Pastoral Associate coordinating Liturgy and Care Ministry.

The Social Care Ministry at St. James includes two main areas: St. James Food Pantry and Ministry to Seniors. Through both of these ministries, St. James reaches out to both our parishioners and the surrounding community.

Catherine Moore served seven years on and off as a volunteer for St. James Food Pantry before coming on staff as Pantry Coordinator in December 2005. She has a heart, love, and passion for St. James Food Pantry and its wonderful clients, knowing that it is a gift from God to be able to work for both.

Cathy lived most of her life on Chicago’s South Side but now resides North. She loves plants and waterfalls, math, and working with people. She is the mother of three wonderful children.