Fr. Brian grew up in Woodstock, GA and spent three meaningful years at Kennesaw State University, where he discovered his calling to the priesthood. This calling led him to St. Joseph Seminary College in Louisiana for his undergraduate degree, and then to Mundelein Seminary in Illinois for his graduate studies. These two schools prepared him for the priesthood. After his seminary studies, Fr. Brian was ordained a priest and served for two years at Transfiguration Catholic Church in Marietta, GA, before moving to Athens to serve at the Catholic Center. 

With a deep passion for evangelization and spirituality, Fr. Brian dedicates his life to guiding others in their walk with Christ. He finds great satisfaction in shepherding a university community especially walking with students during their pivotal college years. Fr. Brian is fascinated by life and embraces the joys, hardships and growth that come from being a disciple of Jesus. Please keep him in your prayers!

In a word, “together” is the best description of how Fr. Michael got here: together with God. Fr. Michael went to UGA as an undergraduate, and it was in that context, he received the call to priesthood and was solidly convinced of God’s existence. Having been ordained since 2018, he now finds himself ministering in the same place where he was generously ministered. Fr. Michael is grateful to serve the Catholic Center. Go Dawgs, and Go God.

This August begins Lynn’s 7th year as Director of Religious Education at the Catholic Center. Her time in RE has been challenging/rewarding, spiritual/passionate, tiresome/enjoyable, but always a true blessing. When her friends’ comment, “Why are you always here?” she replies, “Cause I love it!” Working with a great staff, caring priests, helpful college students, wonderful RE families, and CC friends makes this her home away from home. She has come prepared with 40 years of teaching experience in public and catholic schools. She has been taught by the Sisters of Mercy, IHM, Dominican, and Notre Dame from 1st grade to 12th grade in Baltimore, Miami Beach, and Hollywood. The best part of her day is walking into the CC, being greeted with a big hello from Jenni, and then getting to work for the Lord.

Suzie studied ecology and natural resources at UGA and has been part of the Catholic Center community since she began as a freshman in 2013. After marrying her husband Jake at the Catholic Center in 2021, they left Athens but returned in 2023 when she began serving the community she loves as the sacramental coordinator. She is eternally grateful to accompany so many beautiful souls in their journey with God, whether they are infants and children receiving Baptism or adults who desire to enter the Catholic Church. If you have met Suzie, you have probably met her daughter Joan, who is usually close by and ready to greet CC visitors and regulars alike with a smile and a wave. 

Cherie Frankson has worked as an administrative assistant at the Catholic Center at UGA for over 3 years. She enjoys visiting and helping the students as well as the premiant members. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology. She has been in the Athens area nearly 20 years. She feels blessed to be part of the staff and community here at the Catholic Center.

Dan Marcacci grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan and began studying piano and voice at the age of five and began playing for the Catholic Church in eighth grade on both the piano and the Organ. He dual majored in Organ performance and Telecommunications at Indiana University.  While in college, Dan toured with the Singing Hoosiers throughout North America, Greece, Yugoslavia, and Australia. The group became the inspiration for the hit TV series, “Glee.”  He had the privilege of working with Erich Kunzel/Cincinatti Pops and Disney on a Grammy nominated album entitled “A Disney Spectacular.”

For the last 35 years, Dan has held positions in the Archdiocese of Atlanta at St. Patrick in Norcross, Prince of Peace in Flowery Branch, St. Jude in Sandy Springs, St. John Neumann in Lilburn, Mary Our Queen in Peachtree Corners, and Transfiguration in Marietta.  Dan toured with the St. John Neumann choir to Italy in 1999 and was principal organist for several concerts throughout the country including St. Mark’s in Venice, St. Ignatius’ in Rome with a National Radio audience, and High Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.  He sang for Saint Pope John Paul II in a private audience and was offered a position at the Vatican by the papal organist after playing Sunday high mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.

Dan and his wife, Thea, have three boys that have all participated in music ministries and altar serving and all live in Gwinnett.  Thea is a highly ranked realtor with Keller Williams listing properties throughout North Georgia and was Director of Operations for their accredited school, “The Atlanta Broadcast Institute.”  Dan retired from his convention and video production company, Video Quest, that is credited with several Telly Awards, an Addy Award, and many Regional Emmys and is now excited to be worshipping with the wonderful disciples at the Catholic Center as the Director of Liturgy and Music.

Rachel is a junior at The University of Georgia studying Advertising, minoring in General Business, and pursuing a certificate in Interdisciplinary Writing. She is an active member within the Catholic Student Association (CSA) at the CC, this year serving as the Graphics Chair on CSA Board. Rachel’s prior experience before working at the CC was a marketing internship with the Catholic Foundation of North Georgia (CFNGA) and the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS). Outside of school and work, Rachel enjoys reading theology books, playing the ukulele, thrifting, writing in calligraphy, and swing dancing. 

Caroline is a third-year student at The University of Georgia from Mahwah, New Jersey. She is studying Advertising and pursuing a General Business Minor, Sport Management Minor, and Sports Media Certificate. Outside of the CC and school, Caroline is also a dance teacher. She loves dance, hanging out with friends and family, reading, and spending time outside.

Sonny Fincher was born and raised in Macon, GA. He was drafted into the US Army in 1968 and served for 20 years, retiring in 1988 at the University of Georgia. During his service, he had tours in Vietnam, three tours in Germany, and various stateside assignments. After retiring from the Army, he taught high school JROTC in Athens for 22 years and retired in 2010. He is married to Frances Fincher and they have three children and seven grandchildren. From 2012 to 2017, he worked at the Catholic Center and then again from 2020 until now.