Clergy & Staff
The Revʼd Sam Wilgus
Rector
Fr. Sam Wilgus and his wife, Katy, live in Fort Worth, TX with their four children, Dottie, Jack, Holly, and Luke. Fr. Wilgus grew up in Dallas, Texas and then attended Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL where he received a bachelor’s degree in Biblical and Theological Studies.
After graduating, Fr. Wilgus began his postgraduate studies at Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Nashotah, WI where he received his Masters in Divinity. When he isn’t working, Fr. Wilgus enjoys cast iron cooking, traditional Chinese tea, staying up to date on all things Star Wars related, and, of course, spending time with his family. Fr. Wilgus is thrilled to be at St. John’s, and he looks forward to welcoming you into this intimate, authentic, and worshipful church family.
The Revʼd Jacob Hootman
Curate
Fr. Jacob Hootman, his wife Emily, and their son James live in Fort Worth. Fr. Jacob is from Justin, and attended North Central Texas College, the University of North Texas, and Nashotah House Theological Seminary.
Fr. Hootman serves as Secretary of the Liturgy and Common Worship Task Force of the Anglican Church in North America, and is proud of his involvement in the production of the 2019 Book of Common Prayer, Traditional Language Edition. In his free time, Fr. Jacob is passionate about cooking and working on graphic design/typography projects.
Karen Clark
organist and choirmaster
Karen Clark joined the staff of St. John’s as Organist and Choirmaster in April 2024. Her work as a church organist and choir director spans many years, beginning in her high school days. Her love of hymns was shaped early in life, as she stood between her mother and aunt in their small Pennsylvania church, listening to their voices blend in harmony as they sang the strong hymns of the faith. Karen received her formal musical training at Westminster College and the Cleveland Institute of Music.
Beyond her church ministry, she has devoted many years to music education, guiding students of all ages. In her free time, Karen enjoys in reading, walking, gardening, and spending time with her husband, Andrew, their children and grandchildren.
Kristy Leaseburg
Director of children and youth ministries
Kristy and her husband Erik have been members of St. John’s since 1995 and raised their five children here. Kristy was the Christian Education Director from 1998 to 2012 and returned to the role in 2023.
She also serves as the Children’s Ministry Coordinator and Chair of the Christian Education Commission for the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth.
Amber Ahart
Parish secretary
Amber Ahart has served as Parish Secretary at St. John’s since November 2021, and shares her time with St. Mark’s Church, Arlington. She is a graduate of Texas Christian University in Fashion Merchandising, with a minor in French.
Amber is very active in her personal church life. She attends St. Vincent’s Cathedral in Bedford where she currently serves on altar guild and is a member of St. Anne’s Chapter of the Order of the Daughters of the King. She also serves as Directress of the Diocesan Altar Guild. She currently resides in Hurst and has two beloved cats. Her passions (in addition to church) include being outdoors, animals (especially cats), reading, music, arts and crafts, and gaming.
Brenda de Luna
sexton
Katy Wilgus
social media and nursery coordinator
Katy feels blessed to do ministry life alongside her husband, Fr. Sam Wilgus. Katy has a passion for educating children; she currently teaches elementary Spanish part-time at St. Paul Lutheran School and volunteers in the Level II Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atrium on Sundays.
Katy enjoys showcasing the life of the parish and the St. John’s community through her work with the church’s social media. She also oversees the scheduling of our dedicated nursery staff.
When not at church or school, Katy enjoys spending time with her husband and their four children, Dottie, Jack, Holly, and Luke.