Leadership at Holy Spirit

He has been married to his best friend, Marilyn, “Mare” for 41 years.  They reside in Pittsgrove Township, NJ.  They have been blessed with two grown children, Matt and Emily and now have five wonderful grandbabies to share their love.  Deacon Joe is a retired educator who served the public schools as a teacher, principal and school superintendent. His educational background includes a Doctor of Education from Nova Southeastern University in Educational Leadership, a Masters Degree from Glassboro State College in Administration, and a Bachelors Degree from GSC in Elementary Education. During his professional career he served on many local, county and state committees and associations. His former parish was St. Mary’s in Rosenhayn, NJ. Deacon Joe enjoys gardening, cooking for family and friends and traveling with Mare.

He moved back to NJ in 1980, and joined the Washington Twp. Jaycees, where he chaired many projects to raise money for children in need, those who were physically or mentally challenged, as well as other charitable causes.  In 1983 he met his “Earth Angel”, Robin, and they were married in 1984. They have resided in Penns Grove, NJ since 1989.  He was ordained as a Permanent Deacon on March 15, 1997, and has been assigned to St. James Parish (Penns Grove), St Ann’s (Elmer), St. Gabriel’s (merged parish), and now the Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit.   Over the years he has coached Little League, church softball teams, received a B.S in Business Management from Wilmington College, and a 4 year certificate in Bible studies from the Camden Diocese’s Institute for Religious Studies. He and Robin have been involved with Small Christian Communities and prayer groups. Deacon Bob also taught Religious Education classes to 8^th graders preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation for 17 years. Although he no longer plays sports, he is still an avid fan, especially baseball.

Jim plays the guitar, mandolin, and other string instruments, flute, woodwinds, and hand percussion instruments. He has served in the roles of leader of song, cantor and director of adult and children’s choirs. Jim has been a team member for Gregory Norbert, and Grayson Warren Brown concerts. He has played guitar for several National Pastoral Musicians Conferences as well as being a musician for several concerts featuring John Michael Talbot and Bob Hurd. Beginning in January of 2007, Jim was a Co-Director of music ministry at Holy Name of Jesus Parish. He continues working as the current Director of Music since 2010.

She is a certified cantor, is assistant director of her choir group, and is a current member of the National Association for Pastoral Musicians. Gina’s education includes a BS in Health and Human Services Administration from the University of Scranton and an MS in Human Resources Management from Widener University. In the corporate world, she has worked for The Franklin Mint, TV Guide and the NJ Turnpike Authority. She also worked in the business offices of local public schools for over 10 years. Recently feeling the call to do more, she enrolled in the Foundations for Leadership in Ministry certificate program from the Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation through the University of Dayton. She started The Essentials of Catholic Liturgy training course through NPM and Liturgy Training Publications just before being appointed Director of Liturgy. That course will be completed in Winter 2023. As Director of Liturgy, she hopes to play an active role in the development of formation opportunities for our liturgical ministers and to assist in helping our community become more aware of the beauty, history, and importance of the Mass.

Felicia is originally from Nanuet, NY. She attended Fordham University for Undergraduate and Iona College for Graduate work. She was a member of the Finance Council for Holy Name of Jesus and later joined the Finance Council for Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit. She also was a counter for several years. Prior to becoming the Bookkeeper, she worked for IBM in Accounting, Marketing and Finance before retiring after 35 years.

She and her husband Bruce have been involved in many ministries throughout the years. Joan has been involved with RCIA since 1997 when Bruce joined the Catholic Faith. Prior to retirement, she was Office Administrator for a local real estate & land development company.