Leadership at Holy Spirit

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.

Bob attended Immaculate Conception Church and School, Cardinal Dougherty High School. He joined the Salesians of St. John Bosco earned at BA in Philosophy from Don Bosco College Seminary in Newton, NJ where his youth ministry career began teaching Religious Education classes and assignments at residential and day summer camps and a boarding school in Tampa, Fl. After leaving the Salesians, Bob worked as office manager for a printing company in Tampa and managed Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant in Clearwater Mall, FL. 

Still feeling the call to priesthood, he attended St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Fl for two years before taking his first youth ministry position at Holy Family Church in Rockford, IL. From there Bob moved back to Florida for a year before accepting the Youth Ministry position at St. James Church in Falls Church, VA. While there he completed a Master of Theological Studies from St. Meinrad School of Theology in St. Meinrad, IN. When the new pastor dismissed the lay staff, Bob moved to Baltimore to serve as Campus Minister at Mt. St. Joseph High School, Youth Minister and Rel. Ed Director at St. William of York Church, Baltimore; Pastoral Associate at St. Joseph Church, Odenton; Youth Minister at St. Joseph, Eldersburg; Pastoral Associate at The Catholic Community of Ascension & St. Augustine and here we are.

While living in Falls Church, VA Bob and a co-worker discerned a call to foster HIV+ children, and with support of the parish cared for Nathan. The co-worker adopted Nathan and moved on to Seattle. While living in Columbia, MD Bob responded to an ad looking for foster parents for HIV+ children and was connected to Catholic Charities in Washington, DC. He was asked to consider fostering “difficulty of care” children and was asked to meet David which happened on February 14, 1994. After spending days together, then overnights and weekends, David moved in on April 22, 1994. Difficulty of care was an understatement given all that David has experienced while with his birth mother and in other foster homes. Bob adopted David on November 28, 1998. Eventually, Joshua joined them and when Joshua graduated high school, Tim moved in. Tim was born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome yet manages his life well.

Bob has had care of his granddaughter, Leah, since June of 2009, adopting her in May of 2013.

As a kid, Bob wanted to be a priest but came to realize that he best serves as a Lay Ecclesial Minister moving where he feels called to serve. In almost 50 years in ministry Bob has led Communion Services, Wake Services, Funerals, and two weddings. He feels most comfortable empowering young people, of all ages, to take ownership of their faith and walk with any who feels called to a deeper relationship with our God. Bob’s “motto” is “Stop telling God how to do God’s business” which translates as “Take ‘em where they are!”

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.

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.