The STA Parish Council has an opening for one elected, at-large member to serve a 3-year term beginning in August 2026. We have two candidates: Elisabeth “Liz” Fries and Karen Momper.
Voting Instructions
Parishioners may vote either by paper ballot or electronically from July 16 to July 26, 2026. Paper ballots and the ballot box are located in the church narthex. Click HERE to vote electronically. All voting is anonymous. And, only one vote is allowed per adult STA parishioner.
Meet the Candidates
Elisabeth “Liz” Fries
Elisabeth Fries has been a parish member since 2018 along with her husband Matthew and her two current-STA students Audrey (8th grade) and Lydia (6th grade).
She enjoys being an active part of the STA church and school community – she currently supports various activities for Sausage Fest and classrooms, leads the school’s scholastic book fair program, and contributes as pianist for choir and weekend masses.
She looks forward to finding opportunities to combine the school and church inclusive of increased visibility and engagement from our youth community in food pantry and other service projects, continuing to help our musical ministry to support participation at all ages, and helping parishioners find ways to grow and engage with each other.
She appreciates your consideration for her ability to add more to the community and be a faithful and active member of the parish council. With your trust and support she will endeavor to help shape the future and impact of our church and school, to the benefit of all in need of God’s welcoming embrace.
Karen Momper
Karen Momper, an active parishioner at St. Thomas Aquinas for 26 years (took a 2 year hiatus while living temporarily in Portland, OR), has been a lector since her college years and has served on and/or led numerous church and school committees. Married to her husband, Mark, for nearly 28 years, their two sons both attended STA. Over the years, Karen has helped various fundraising efforts, including for Blood Cancer United (formerly LLS), STA galas, and Sausagefests. Her community dedication also includes serving on the Meridian Street Foundation Board, acting as a State Delegate and Precinct Committeeman, and volunteering with St. Margaret’s Guild for their 2026 Decorator Show House. She recently accepted a gubernatorial appointment to the Indiana Real Estate Commission.
Workwise, Karen brings diverse experience, having spent a decade in big pharma, serving as Director of Development for a local biotech startup, led Strategic Initiatives for the Indiana Destination Development Corporation, and recently accepted a new role with the Indiana Department of Health.
If elected, this will be Karen’s third term on the Parish Council. In her free time, she enjoys book clubs, yoga, gardening, mah jongg, home rehab, and competitive euchre nights with her family.
