Kathy and Dan Manack

Although they lived in adjoining small towns and attended Catholic High Schools less than 10 miles apart, they had never met.  It was the summer of 1979, and Dan was starting his first day as a college intern at Weirton Steel.  Kathy was already employed at Weirton Steel in Human Resources.   Her boss was Dan’s neighbor and, known for his over-the-top style, he was quick to make the introduction.  His exact words were, “Kathy this is Dan…Dan this is Kathy.  She is a great girl take care of her and you better have me in the wedding.”  Despite both of them blushing in embarrassment, that is exactly what happened in February of 1982…and yes, he was in the wedding!

Kathy was born and raised in Steubenville, Ohio, a small town on the eastern edge of the state bordering the Ohio River.   She attended St. Stanislaus Catholic Grade School and Steubenville Catholic Central High School.  Dan was born on the other side of the Ohio River in Weirton, WV.  He attended St. Joseph the Worker Grade School and Weirton Madonna High School.  Dan went on to graduate from West Virginia University and later received an MBA from the University of Dallas.  Dan came to Dallas for the first time in 1980 to join Texas Instruments.
Kathy and Dan sustained a long-distance relationship until she joined him in his North Dallas apartment after the wedding.  A first priority for Kathy was to find a Catholic Church.  Dan was attending Mary Immaculate Church in Carrollton.   Since there was no Google Maps, Dan did not realize that All Saints Catholic Church was nearly in walking distance of their apartment.  Fortunately, Kathy quickly found All Saints and they joined their first parish together as husband and wife.    While there they had their first son and he was baptized by now Auxiliary Bishop Greg Kelly.  Moving to a home in Plano in 1987, they also found their new church home, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.  They were blessed with a second son and daughter. 

Since moving to Plano, Seton has always been a central part of Kathy’s life.  With three small children she found empathy and lasting friendships at Mothers and Others’ meetings and social events.   Seeking to be more involved in the celebration of Mass Kathy became a Eucharistic Minister in 1998 and continues today to perform this rewarding service.   As a person that finds enjoyment in being around people, Kathy was on the St. Elizabeth Welcome Committee and the Donut Sunday Coordinator.  Each year Kathy buys Christmas presents for many families as part of the annual Love Truck distribution.  She does enjoy shopping!  Most days start for Kathy at Daily Mass and, on Mondays, she heads over to the rectory to help out in the office.  Kathy is also on the Bereavement Committee and does her very best to bring comfort to those mourning the loss of a loved one. 
 
Looking for a way to be active in the church while balancing a demanding career, Dan found countless reward in teaching Faith Formation on Sunday mornings.   He did this for twenty plus years for primarily Kindergarten and few years in First Grade.  He liked Kindergarten because it allowed him to teach the Bible stories and the sign of the cross for the first time to many students.  Each of his children were a teen aide during the years which made it even more special for him.  Dan has also been active in the Love Truck Christmas gift distribution since joining Seton with fond memories of his now adult children helping as toddlers to hand out gifts at St. James Parish in Dallas.   Dan is also on the Board of the Assistance Center of Collin County.

Together at Seton, Dan and Kathy were sponsors for engaged couples, active in the Seton Soles event and on the Gala Committee.  They are very proud parents and grandparents to four wonderful grandchildren to whom they are affectionately known as KK and Pops.

Clearly God had a plan in bringing Kathy and Dan to Plano and St. Elizabeth as the place for them to grow in their faith.  They both feel so blessed and honored to call St. Elizabeth Ann Seton their home.