CHURCH OF THE HOLY APOSTLES
MEET OUR STAFF
Our Team
​COTHA is blessed to have a hard working, gifted staff that works to develop, support and empower the many ministries here. Led by our mission to help people come, connect, grow and go, the staff is committed to helping people find a ministry that matches up with gifts, talents and desires.
Alex Large
Alex is the Rector or Head Pastor of Church of the Holy Apostles
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​My wife, Emily, and I joined Church of the Holy Apostles in the summer of 2019. I am passionate about Family Ministry and leading a biblically faithful community that connects people to Christ through love and action. And I believe that the Gospel of grace is the message that we all need to hear all the time! I believe the church should care about connecting the gospel to our everyday life, and seeing the fruit of the Spirit in our missions and outreach.
I am from Vero Beach, Florida and my wife, Emily, is from Dallas. We were married in 2005 and have three wonderful children, Eloise, Cordelia, and Phoebe.
I attended Washington and Lee University in Virginia and went to Trinity School for Ministry near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Prior to coming to Holy Apostles, I served at St. Martins in Houston, All Saints Church in Chevy Chase, Maryland and the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Vail, Colorado.
Desmond Goonesekera
Desmond assists Alex in worship, preaching, and meeting with people as needed. He is available to meet for prayer, visitations, and homebound communion.
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My wife Ewena and I live in Katy and have been married for 50 years. We have two adult children-- Deluca and Dilhan, and two grandsons.
I was born and raised in Sri Lanka, graduated from Divinity School Colombo for my theological studies and from Lutheran Bible College, Seattle WA for my Biblical studies. I was ordained in The Diocese of Colombo, Sri Lanka in 1969, and we emigrated to the US in 1987. I’ve had the opportunity to serve in the Diocese of Olympia, Washington, Montana, Colorado and Texas.
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Though I technically retired in 2013, I still have a strong passion to teach and preach the Gospel of the living Lord and for pastoral care. It is truly a great joy, pleasure and an opportunity to serve on the COTHA team, building the kingdom of God together, inviting people to experience the love of Jesus Christ and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
Kevin Dailey
You’ll see Kevin on Sunday mornings as COTHA’s worship leader. His responsibilities include overseeing the worship team, sanctuary media, screens, and sound.
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​My wife Kendra and I live here in Katy with our daughters Lilly and Molly. I served in vocational ministry for 13 years in Houston, San Antonio, and Central Washington State before changing careers and becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor. My undergrad is in Communications and my Masters in Mental Health Counseling.
I believe worship through music is a gift from God to help us join as a community in shared belief and faith, and proclamation, the wonder and revelation of the Goodness of God through Christ Jesus. I am grateful to be able to worship with this church community!​
Becca Rivas
Becca oversees families from birth through college, connecting congregants with ministry programs, special events, and one-on-one opportunities.
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My husband, Kerry, and I moved to Katy in 2014, so our children, Maddie, Meagan, Levi, and Lorelei, would benefit from the amazing Katy school district. We visited COTHA several times and fell in love with the people and the fact that COTHA is grounded in Scripture and dedicated to growing the Kingdom. I have been in ministry since 2006 at a large Episcopal church in Houston, and the majority of those years were spent in children's ministry.
It is my hope and prayer that I can partner with parents and families so that every child can grow up with an authentic faith in Jesus. Let's work together to grow the next generation of Kingdom Builders!
Stephanie Thomas
Stephanie is our primary membership connection. She is involved in the entire process of connecting with new guests and cultivating relationships that connect them to opportunities for involvement and membership. In addition, she recruits and oversees Sunday ministry volunteers.
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My husband, Roy, and I have been married since 2002. In 2012, we moved from northeastern OK to the Katy, TX, area to be closer to the Texas Medical Center. We have three amazing kids, Wes, Evy, and Ethan, and a loving and energetic dog named Ollie.
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Our family first started attending COTHA online at the beginning of 2021. We love and appreciate the Christ-centered focus found here. My heart’s desire is to cultivate genuine connections with people. I believe God designed us to need one another, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help serve our community.
Emily Matthews
Emily is our Family Ministry Assistant and focuses on our youngest members. She oversees the nursery, coordinates volunteers, and works closely with Becca on family events.
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My passion is creating a safe environment for children to learn through exploration, play, and new experiences. I am very excited to teach COTHA’s youngest members about God and his never-ending love for us.
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I am lucky to have a wonderful 5-year-old son, Jackson. I am currently making my way through college to obtain a child psychology degree. In my free time, I enjoy crocheting, reading, hanging out with family, and watching TV.
Donna Matthews
Donna is your behind-the-scenes connection. Her job includes church communications, database management, giving/generosity, and human resources for the COTHA staff.
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​My husband, James, and I came to COTHA in January of 2001, and I have been a staff member since 2003. My tenure began as a part-time bookkeeper and eventually expanded to Administrator in 2007. I have a heart for all things organized, systemized, productive, and effective.
James and I have been married since 1994, have two young adult sons, and a precious grandson. When not working or volunteering at the church, we can be found outdoors exploring the world on foot.
Heather Carr
Heather is responsible for supporting the Administrator in performing duties, including room reservations, guest groups interested in using the building, and facility/grounds maintenance and repair.
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​Our family came to COTHA in 2022, and we are enjoying getting plugged into the church. I currently serve in Kids Formation, teaching 4th and 5th graders. You will often see my husband, Gibs, behind the computer, running audio-visual equipment at the 10:30 service.
Gibs and I are college sweethearts and have been married since 1999. Our three children are Elizabeth, who will soon be graduating from college, Austin, who is a freshman in college, and Shelby, who is in third grade.
I have a degree in early childhood education and have taught both kindergarten and preschool. I have served in youth ministry as a Girl Scout leader, a National Charity League and PTA board member, and Boy Scouts. In my free time, I enjoy traveling with my family, doing projects around the house, and crafting.,