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Meet Our Team

Fr. Luke Barder, OP

Parish Pastor

Hey, I’m Fr. Luke, OP, Pastor here at St. Dominic’s. I was born in Indiana (go Boilermakers), grew up in the suburbs of Chicago (go Cubs), but have lived in so many great places around the country. Denver has become a second home, especially St. Dominic’s, as it was where I did my Novitiate, was first assigned as a “baby” priest, and is now where I first get to learn how to be a Pastor. When I’m not in the office, Church, or Priory, you might find me running around Sloan’s Lake, reading a book at a cafe, on a bike ride along the Platte, or hiking around Nederland.

Favorite Saint: St. Peter

Favorite Quote:
The more I considered Christianity, the more I found that while it had established a rule and order, the chief aim of that order was to give room for good things to run wild. - G. K. Chesterton

720-465-7528

Fr. DePorres Durham, O.P.

Parochial Vicar

Hi! I am Fr. DePorres Durham, OP, the parochial vicar here at Saint Dominic Parish. I was born and raised in Vermont (and I have numerous stories about Vermont) and was ordained in 1990. I love being a Dominican Friar! I have degrees in philosophy and theology (St. Paul University), a master’s in educational administration (Saint Louis University) and a Doctoral Degree in Education Administration and Supervision (Loyola University Chicago). Like many Dominicans I lived here during my novitiate year, which makes me so excited to live in Denver again. While I don’t have a strong grasp of Spanish for conversations, I am working on it. In my spare time I root for the Red Sox, read and work on my website, thefriar.org, where I post my homilies and provide other resources.

Favorite Saint: St. Martin de Porres
Favorite Quote : “Yes, you must live life beautifully and not allow the spirit of the world that makes gods out of power, riches, and pleasure make you forget that you have been created for greater things: to love and to be loved.” —Mother Teresa

Laura Ortega

Office Assistant

Hola, I am the Office Assistant here at St. Dominic's. I was born in Mexico (Chihuahua, Cuautemoc). I have lived in Denver over 20 years now. I have 4 beautiful children and an amazing husband. I am so grateful for my family; I love spending time with them and watching my kids grow. During my down time, I love to hike and work on my laser engraving side-business, Light Shines On.

My favorite Saint: St. Jude
Favorite Quote: With God all things are possible

Mary Topping

Director of Community Engagement

Hi, I am Mary Topping, Director of Community Engagement. For a long time my goal has been to help people live to their fullest potential. And that's what my role at St. Dominic is all about. Living to potential can start with having enough to eat or diapers and socks to keep a baby clean and warm. Spiritually, it can happen through works of charity and encountering the poor or anyone in distress. I hope you will join us in this work. Personally, I like learning about what makes us similar and different. I'm married and love cats, cycling, gardening and historical novels about strong women.

Favorite saint: Saint Frances Cabrini
Favorite quote: "So when you hold out your hand selflessly, and give help to the stranger in need, then whatever you do to the least of these, you do to Me." From The Least of These, lyrics by Janet Sullivan Whitaker

Gerard DiMartini

Director of Liturgy & Music

I grew up in North Denver. Went to school at St. Dominic Grade School, Lake & Skinner Middle Schools and North High. [Once a Viking, always a Viking!]
Went to college at DU & CU Denver, and finished a BS in Vocal Music Performance. I only speak English; however, I can sing in many languages.
Words of advice: Plan your funeral early, it will be the last time you can share your faith with your family and friends!

My favorite Saint is Peter.
One of my favorite sayings is, "How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice!"

720-779-2650

Marcela Pérez

Business & Finance Manager

I grew up in Denver and graduated from Regis with a degree in Business Management and History (history - it's story time for adults)!
I love classic movies, Halloween (boo!), and reading.
Favorite Saint: St. Lucy
Favorite quote: Why, yes, I could start my day without coffee, but I like being able to remember things like how to say words and put on pants. - Nanea Hoffman

720-758-9923

Juan Fernandez

Maintenance

Juan performs regular maintenance on the Church, parish buildings and campus grounds.