Meet the Tipi Loschi (Core Team)

From the beginning, the Frassati Society Core Team has been called the "Tipi Loschi" (tee-pee lo-ski) or "Shady Characters".  This was Pier Giorgio's light-hearted nickname for his own friends as they had a particular affinity for playing practical jokes on one another. You are always welcome to contact us with questions, comments, ideas, prayer requests, etc... we are at your service!

Katelyn Filbrandt

President & Outdoor Chair
I was searching for young adult Catholic groups when I moved to the Twin Cities as a way to meet people. After attending my first Frassati Night, which included Adoration, socializing at a local brewery with some amazing young adult Catholics, and learning about Pier Giorgio Frassati for the first time, (and not knowing exactly what to expect before attending), I knew that God was listening to my prayers.

I enjoy volunteering, going on outdoor adventures, traveling, attending cultural events, and spending time with family and friends. It is important to appreciate the simple things in life while in nature, like smelling lilacs in the spring, listening to the sound of whitewater on the river, appreciating the fall colors, or watching snow fall in the winter. As the outdoor chair, I hope to share many of these wonderful creations with others, spread the stories of Pier Giorgio Frassati, and one day climb the mountains in Italy that he once explored.

Tim Fontana

Vice President

Vivian Chu

Membership Chair
I learned about the Frassati Society of MN at the Rediscover: Catholic Celebration Young Adult Night in 2014. The first Frassati event I attended was the Pilgrimage to The Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in 2015.

What I love about the Frassati Society is that it's a non-parish based Young Adult group for Catholics and Non-Catholics ages 18-45 and we welcome all of those who are interested involved despite their circumstances.

Grace Schneider

Spiritual Chair
After an invitation from a friend to attend the Itasca trip in 2017, I was blessed beyond measure by the people whom I met and the conversations, hilarity and outdoor excursions that I experienced. The balance of a life lived in imitation of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati greatly attracted me. I kept coming back to more events, as each time fostered enrichment and grace in my young adult life.

I have always enjoyed experiencing the wonder and love of God manifested in the outdoors, whether I’m relishing the stillness of the Boundary Waters, climbing mountains in CO, or taking a walk in my neighborhood. God is the summit to which our hearts are inclined, and Frassati spent his life leading others to climb not only physical but also spiritual summits. My favorite event quickly became Frassati night, a perfect combination of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament and fellowship with others. I am delighted to be able to join the Frassati core team as spiritual chair. It is the love of God and the desire to share that love that drives the actions of our Christian lives. Let’s follow Frassati to the heights of sanctity!

Justine Buerkle

Service Chair
I don't know how I first heard about Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati, but I ended up buying a book, some prayer cards, and a medal. I was wearing that medal at a 5K when I saw an information table for the Frassati Society, so I just had to go sign up for the e-mail list! The first event I attended was a service night at Higher Ground. I enjoy being around other young adults who want to grow in faith and do the things Pier Giorgio liked to do. Verso l'alto!

Rebecca Wratkowski

Member at Large
I am a product of Catholic education and grateful. I like remote places and a bit of challenge when I am not grading assignments or sewing.

Heather Lansing

Cultural Chair

Jen Messing

Advisor
After co-founding the Frassati Society of MN and (over the course of 13 years) carrying the roles of Outdoor Chair, Cultural Chair, and President, I stepped into a mentoring role as of 2017. I am proud to see the spirit of Frassati still thriving, with good conversation and humor as well as all activities being placed under the protection of our patron's prayers.

I now spend most of my time spreading the theology of the body through my nonprofit, Into the Deep (www.idretreats.org).
See our previous Core Teams