Pastor
Email
773.588.6484 ×5106
About Fr. Ryan
Joining us July 1, 2025, Fr. Ryan was ordained in 2021 and previously served as Associate Pastor at Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier Parish in Wilmette. During his time there, he completed advanced studies and earned a Licentiate of Sacred Theology in Dogmatics in 2023; he served as Co-Director of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage in Chicago in 2024.
Additionally, Fr. Ryan serves the Archdiocese Vocation Office as Young Adult Vocation Promoter, and is an adjunct faculty member at Mundelein Seminary, working with seminarians in their first year of formation.
Associate Pastor
Email
773.588.6484 x5103
About Fr. Bob
Fr. Bob has been a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago since his ordination in 2015. Prior to joining St. Ben’s in August 2026, he served as pastor for Two Holy Martyrs Parish for six years. Fr. Bob’s earlier assignments include St. Rene Goupil (pastor) and St. Julie Billiart (associate pastor. )
A native of Berwyn, Fr. Bob is the youngest of six and he attended St. Leonard Grammar School, Morton West High School and Northern Illinois University. He worked in the newspaper business for 15 years before being called to the priesthood and entering Mundelein Seminary in 2009.
Director of Finance & Operations
Email
773.588.6484 ×5114
About John
John brings more than 15 years of leadership and operational experience, most recently overseeing a large multi-unit organization across Illinois and Wisconsin. Throughout his career, John has focused on developing people, strengthening operations, managing financial performance, and building strong teams and communities. In his role at St. Benedict, he supports the parish and school through responsible stewardship of its financial, operational, human resources, and facilities needs.
John began his journey into the Catholic Church through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) at St. Robert Catholic Church in Shorewood, Wisconsin, in 2025, receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion there at the Easter Vigil in 2026. His journey into the Catholic faith profoundly reshaped how he views leadership and success, deepening his commitment to humility, service, and placing his gifts at the service of others. That journey ultimately led him to pursue a career in service to the Church. He is grateful for the opportunity to bring his professional experience to St. Benedict and to support its mission of serving the parish, school, families, and broader community.
Director of Music & Liturgy
Email
77.3.588.6484 x5107
About Scott
Scott is a very successful pastoral musician. He has headed programs in large vibrant Catholic parishes in Chicago and Los Angeles. He is an accomplished pianist, organist and Choral Director. He has worked with both Adult and Children’s Choirs. He is also known for his recruitment skills in all aspects of parish life, and he has established well-known large-scale concert programs.
Scott has presently been working at Saints Viator and Wenceslaus parishes, but previously has worked here in Chicago at St. John Berchman, St. James in Arlington Heights, St. Nicholas in Evanston, St. Josaphat, and St. Clement.
While he was at St. Clement he worked on installing the historic organ they presently have, and which Jeremy Kiolbassa presently plays. One more special gift he brings to Church Music: he was one of Jeremy’s teachers. His influence blessed us with Jeremy. During this past year, he has been playing at our school Masses where he has brought an inspiring touch.
Director of Lifelong Formation
Email
773.588.6484 x5108
About Kim
Kim McMillan has lived in Chicago and the surrounding community her whole life. She loves the city and it's vibrant community. Prior to coming to St. Benedict Parish, she ministered with St. Celestine Parish. Kim started in youth ministry as a volunteer and grew in competency and experience as she recognized ministry with young people was her calling. Kim received her certificate in Ministry from The Center for Ministry Development and when the Archdiocese of Chicago created Certification for Youth Ministry, she was the first to receive accreditation. She has worked with the National Association of Catholic Youth Ministers and has helped form Youth Ministers through The Institute for Catholic Youth Ministers. Her primary responsibilities include creating a Ministry with the parishioners of St. Benedict's that will support and encourage our young people to respond to the call of discipleship and involvement in this community of faith. Kim is married to Kevin and they have three sons.
Coordinator of Evangelization and Faith Formation
Email
773.588.6484
About Sarah
Sarah Birchenough was born and raised in central Illinois. After graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Sarah spent five years serving as a Catholic missionary with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students. As a missionary, she led Bible Studies and discipleship groups to teach young people how to grow in their relationship with Jesus and how to share the Gospel with others through mission and evangelization.
At St Benedict’s, Sarah assists the formation team by supporting the catechists of Religious Education and OCIA, as well as developing additional faith formation opportunities for families. In her free time,
Sarah enjoys reading, singing, cooking, and trying new coffee shops.
Parish Office Manager
Email
773.588.6484
About Ellen
Ellen was born and raised in the same house that her father grew up in on the North side of Chicago, near Humboldt Park and now resides in Des Plaines. Ellen has been a part of St Benedict’s Parish for the past seventeen years, starting out by being part of the A&E committee even before she became Catholic twelve years ago. Ellen worked in the Directional Marketing field of Yellow Pages Advertising for good number years until the company she was working with closed.
Ellen joined St. Ben’s as a part-time receptionist in the rectory and before long was promoted to Office Manager. In addition to full-time receptionist duties, her responsibilities include parish database management, sacramental record-keeping, and general office duties. Should you visit the rectory you will see Ellen’s smiling face as you are warmly greeted!
Administrative Assistant, Catechesis Office
Email
773.509.3830
About Nancy
Nancy has employed by the Archdiocese of Chicago since 1989 and has been with St. Ben’s for more than 20 years. She supports the evangelization, religious education and parish office teams from her offices in the school and rectory.
Director of Communications
Email
773.588.6484 x2351
About Maria
Maria is a talented graphic artist and is editor in chief of our weekly bulletin, The Steward, and the annual stewardship and state of the school reports, as well as all digital and print art and publications for the organization.