CHURCH OF THE HOLY APOSTLES
Our Team
COTHA is blessed to have a hard working, gifted staff that works to develop, support and empower the many ministries here. Led by our mission to help people come, connect, grow and go, the staff is committed to helping people find a ministry that matches up with gifts, talents and desires.
Alex Large
Alex is the Rector or Head Pastor of Church of the Holy Apostles
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My wife, Emily, and I joined Church of the Holy Apostles in the summer of 2019. I am passionate about Family Ministry and leading a biblically faithful community that connects people to Christ through love and action. And I believe that the Gospel of grace is the message that we all need to hear all the time! I believe the church should care about connecting the gospel to our everyday life, and seeing the fruit of the Spirit in our missions and outreach.
I am from Vero Beach, Florida and my wife, Emily, is from Dallas. We were married in 2005 and have three wonderful children, Eloise, Cordelia, and Phoebe.
I attended Washington and Lee University in Virginia and went to Trinity School for Ministry near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Prior to coming to Holy Apostles, I served at St. Martins in Houston, All Saints Church in Chevy Chase, Maryland and the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Vail, Colorado.
Desmond Goonesekera
Desmond assists Alex in worship, preaching, and meeting with people as needed. He is available to meet for prayer, visitations, and homebound communion.
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My wife Ewena and I live in Katy and have been married for 50 years. We have two adult children-- Deluca and Dilhan, and two grandsons.
I was born and raised in Sri Lanka, graduated from Divinity School Colombo for my theological studies and from Lutheran Bible College, Seattle WA for my Biblical studies. I was ordained in The Diocese of Colombo, Sri Lanka in 1969, and we emigrated to the US in 1987. I’ve had the opportunity to serve in the Diocese of Olympia, Washington, Montana, Colorado and Texas.
Though I technically retired in 2013, I still have a strong passion to teach and preach the Gospel of the living Lord and for pastoral care. It is truly a great joy, pleasure and an opportunity to serve on the COTHA team, building the kingdom of God together, inviting people to experience the love of Jesus Christ and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
Kevin Dailey
You’ll see Kevin on Sunday mornings as COTHA’s worship leader. His responsibilities include overseeing the worship team, sanctuary media, screens, and sound.
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My wife Kendra and I live here in Katy with our daughters Lilly and Molly. I served in vocational ministry for 13 years in Houston, San Antonio, and Central Washington State before changing careers and becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor. My undergrad is in Communications and my Masters in Mental Health Counseling.
I believe worship through music is a gift from God to help us join as a community in shared belief and faith, and proclamation, the wonder and revelation of the Goodness of God through Christ Jesus. I am grateful to be able to worship with this church community!
Becca Rivas
Becca oversees families from birth through college, connecting congregants with ministry programs, special events, and one-on-one opportunities.
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My husband, Kerry, and I moved to Katy in 2014, so our children, Maddie, Meagan, Levi, and Lorelei, would benefit from the amazing Katy school district. We visited COTHA several times and fell in love with the people and the fact that COTHA is grounded in Scripture and dedicated to growing the Kingdom. I have been in ministry since 2006 at a large Episcopal church in Houston, and the majority of those years were spent in children's ministry.
It is my hope and prayer that I can partner with parents and families so that every child can grow up with an authentic faith in Jesus. Let's work together to grow the next generation of Kingdom Builders!
Deborah Graeflin
Deborah is our assistant director for families from birth through college. She works closely with Becca on family events, coordinating volunteers, social media, and other communications.
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A little about me, I am a wife to my amazing husband Zac, a bonus mom to the best 8-year-old named Maddox, and a dog mom to our sweet little pup named Chipper. I’m also an avid board gamer, hostess, and animal lover.
I grew up just south of Houston in Friendswood, and I am what I like to call a “youth group friend” Episcopalian. My best friend invited me bowling with her youth group in the 6th grade and from there I was introduced to the Episcopal Church and Camp Allen. I was confirmed at my former church in 2018 with a group of our 8th-grade students.
Stephanie Thomas
Stephanie is our primary membership connection. She is involved in the entire process of connecting with new guests and cultivating relationships that connect them to opportunities for involvement and membership. In addition, she recruits and oversees Sunday ministry volunteers.
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My husband, Roy, and I have been married since 2002. We moved from northeastern OK to the Katy, TX area in 2012 to be closer to the Texas Medical Center. We have three amazing kids, Wes, Evy, and Ethan. We also have a sweet, energetic dog named Ollie, who loves people and stealing people’s food.
Our family first started attending COTHA online at the beginning of 2021. We love and appreciate the Christ-centered focus found here.
My heart’s desire is to cultivate genuine connections with people. I believe God designed us to need one another and I’m grateful for the opportunity to take part in helping serve our community.
Donna Matthews
Donna is your behind-the-scenes connection. Her job includes church communications, ministry scheduling, database management, giving/generosity, and human resources for the COTHA staff. She is also responsible for room reservations, outside groups interested in using the building, and facility/grounds maintenance and repair.
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My husband, James, and I came to COTHA in January of 2001 and I have been a member of the staff since 2003. My tenure began as a part-time bookkeeper and eventually expanded to Administrator in 2007. As the administrator, my role is to support the Rector in the accomplishment of COTHA’s ministry effectiveness with evaluation, discernment, decision making, planning, and overall direction of church operations. I have a heart for all things organized, systemized, productive, and effective.
James and I have been married since 1994 and have two young adult sons. When not working or volunteering at the church, we can be found outdoors exploring the world on foot.
Michael Forgette
Michael is our part-time handyman in charge of miscellaneous repair and maintenance projects here at the church. His work at COTHA helps us save money in vendor and contractor fees!
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My name is Michael Forgette and I am married to my wife Christine. Together we have 3 grown children. I moved to Katy in 2012 from Amarillo and currently live in Missouri City. I have a passion for mission work and I’m involved in Attack Poverty, Habitat for Humanity and have been on several mission trips to Guatemala to dig water wells with COTHA.
I recently retired and when I heard COTHA needed a part-time maintenance person I knew that would be a great fit for me and it would keep me busy. I’m glad to be a member of the COTHA staff and look forward to working with COTHA on keeping the building and grounds well maintained.