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Deacon Ronald J. Caimi:
rcaimi@smpo.us;
Ext. 113
Deacon Russel Demkovitz:
rdemkovitz@smpo.us
Sr. Barbara De
Stefano, OSF, Liturgy:bdestefano@smpo.us;
732-828-1400
Matthew Greely,
Pastoral Associate Youth Ministry; mgreeley@smpo.us;
732-828-1400 Ext 124
Rev. Douglas J Haefner,
Pastor: pastor@smpo.us;
732-828-1400
Deacon Stephen J.
Holzinger: sholzinger@smpo.us:
Ext. 116
Sr. Eileen Jude:
ejude@smpo.us: 732-828-1402
Sr. Anita Kuchera,
OSF: Evangelization: akuchera@smpo.us;
732-828-1400
Dolores R. Nann,
Director of Adult Formation: dnann@smpo.us;
Ext. 118
Dr. Jean Patrick,
Vice Principal: jpatrick@smpo.us:
732-828-1402
Nicole Patrick,
Pastoral Associate Jr. High Youth Ministry npatrick@smpo.us:
732-828-1400 ext 125
Deacon John M. Radvanski:
deaconjohn@smpo.us;
732-828-1400Ext. 130
Sr.
Maria Riedel , OSF: Children's Ministry mriedel@smpo.us;
732-828-3786
Joan Best Seamon,
Director of Music: jseamon@smpo.us;
732-418-1044
Sr. Marie Therese
Sherwood, O.S.F.: MSherwood@smpo.us
732-828-1400 xt113
Sr. Mary Amata Shina,
O.S.F., Pastoral Administrator:peace@smpo.us;
732-828-1400
Pastoral Staff Biographies
Deacon Ronald
J. Caimi
Co Administrator
Deacon Ron was ordained on June 13, 1998 by
The Most Rev. Vincent DePaul Breen, Bishop of Metuchen,
at the St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral in Metuchen,
NJ. In addition to his liturgical duties at
St. Matthias, he is involved with the carnival and communications
committees, altar servers, sacristans, St. Vincent de
Paul Society, and the finance council. He also witnesses
marriages at St. Matthias and administers the sacrament
of Baptism.
A graduate of Fr. Judge High School,
Philadelphia, PA, Deacon Ron holds a Bachelor of Chemistry
degree from La Salle College in Philadelphia and a Certificate
in Ministry from The College of St. Elizabeth in Convent
Station, NJ. He lives in Somerset with his wife Marge. The
couple have five children, Christina, Suzanne, Ronald
E., Linda and Robert, as well as nine grandchildren.
Deacon Ron can be reached at (732)
828-1400 extension 113 or by email: deaconronc@aol.com.
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Deacon
Russel Demkovitz
Deacon Russell B. Demkovitz was ordained to the deaconate
on June 12th 2004 by Bishop Paul Bootkoski at the St
Francis of Assisi Cathedral in Metuchen NJ.
Deacon Russ is involved with the Social
Concerns Commission, altar servers, and adult confirmation
outside of RCIA.
In addition to his Ministry Certificate
from the College of Saint Elizabeth in Convent Station
NJ, he holds a Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University
in Political Science, and a Masters in Political Science
from Roosevelt University, Chicago Illinois.
From 1987 to 1995, Deacon Russ served
Franklin Township as a councilman-at-large, serving
as Deputy Mayor from 1987-1990, and as Mayor from 1990-1991.
Deacon Russ is currently the Director
of Cemeteries for the Diocese of Metuchen, overseeing
the operations of both Resurrection Burial Park in Piscataway,
and Holy Cross Burial Park in South Brunswick.
He and his wife Monica have been parishioners
of St. Matthias since 1977. They have one daughter Abigail
who teaches at the 7th and 8th grade level in the Religious
Education program.
Deacon Russ can be reached at (732) 828-1400 or by email:
rdemkovitz@smpo.us
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Sr.
Barbara De Stefano, OSF
Sr. Barbara a native of Philadelphia, she holds a B.A.
in theology from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia
as well as an M.A. in religious studies from St. Charles
Seminary in Overbrook, PA.
She decided to come to St. Matthias based on her several
visits she made here to the parish.
Sister Barbara’s responsibilities at St. Matthias
are many.
“As director of liturgy, I work
with wonderful people on the Liturgy Commission and
Liturgy Committee. I also plan Masses and special services
as we journey together through the seasons of the liturgical
year,” Sister Barbara said. “I help with
the ongoing education/formation of all those involved
in liturgical ministries (lectors, hospitality, Eucharistic
ministers, etc.). Anything to do with sacraments, such
as the preparation for parents of children making First
Communion or Baptism preparation is under my umbrella.”Sr.
Barbara can be reached at (732) 828-1400 or by email:
bdestefano@smpo.us
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Matt
Greely
Pastoral Associate Youth Ministry;
mgreeley@smpo.us;
732-828-1400 Ext 124 Bio to follow.
Rev. Douglas
J. Haefner
Father Doug was ordained on May 14, 1982 (the feast
of St. Matthias) and was appointed as the sixth pastor
of The Catholic Community of St. Matthias on February
12, 1991. Father Doug serves as a consultant for religious
education for the Diocese of Metuchen.
A native of Milltown, NJ, Father Doug
graduated from New Brunswick High School in 1970. He
holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in theology and history
from St. Francis College, Biddeford, Maine. He also
holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sacred Theology and
a Master of Divinity from St. Mary’s Seminary
and University in Baltimore, Maryland. Since receiving
a Masters in Education from Boston College in 1991,
he has done postgraduate work at Boston College and
Fordham University, Bronx, NY.
At St. Matthias, Father Doug works
collaboratively with the Pastoral Staff and Pastoral
Council in living out the parish Mission Statement.
As pastor, he sits on the Finance Council, Pastoral
Council, Stewardship & Development Committees, the
Home School Association and the School Advisory Council.
Father Doug is the Moderator of Filipino American Association
of St. Matthias, the St. Martin de Porres Society and
serves on the Parish Vocation Committee.
On a diocesan level, Father Doug is
a member of the Pastors’ Advisory Board for Catholic
Schools, the Pastors’ Advisory Board for the Bishop’s
Capital Campaign, "In Service To The Kingdom"
and the Diaconate Advisory Board. He is a member of
the National Catholic Stewardship Council, National
Catholic Development Association, the National Catholic
Education Association and the Religious Education Association
of America. Father Doug’s favorite summer pleasure
is the "Summer SONdays" Children’s Bible
School held every summer at St. Matthias. He creates
and writes the program that is a fun-filled, faith-filled
experience for children Pre-K through 5th Grade. He
is the creator and author of the "Fr. Matt"
Series in Vocation Awareness and served as the Chairperson
of the Writing Committeefor the N.J. Bishop’s
Pastoral Letter on Catechesis.
Prior to his studies for the priesthood,
Father Doug taught high school, ministered as a Director
of Religious Education and served as a police officer
in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. An avid Giants football
fan, Father Doug also loves the Broadway theatre and
is a member of the Lambs Club.
Father Doug can be reached at (732) 828-1400 or by email:pastor@smpo.us
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Deacon
Stephen J. Holzinger
Deacon Steve was ordained on May 21, 1994 by Bishop
Edward T. Hughes at St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral
in Metuchen, NJ. In addition to his liturgical duties,
Steve is responsible for the Baptismal Preparation Program
at St. Matthias and is the liaision for the Ministry
of Hospitality . He also witnesses marriages and administers
the sacrament of Baptism. A graduate of Edison Hish
School in Edison, NJ, Deacon Steve holds a certificate
in ministry from The College of St. Elizabeth in Convent
Station, NJ and is a DeVry Technical Institute Graduate.
He lives in Somerset with his wife Patti and his children
Stephen and Sara.
Deacon Steve can be reached at the
parish office (732) 828-1400, or by email: deacnsteve@aol.com.
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Sr. Eileen Jude
Can be reached at the School Office
(732) 828-1402 or by email: ejude@smpo.us
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Sr.
Anita Kuchera, OSF
Sr. Anita responsibilities at St. Matthias include the
evangelization ministry, which encompasses many areas
including the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for
Adults), and is also the pastoral staff contact for
the parish nursing ministry, the Care Support Ministry,
the disabilities ministry, the Elizabeth ministry (for
pre- and postnatal mothers), New Beginnings (for those
divorced), and the vocation ministry. She is also one
of the spiritual directors for the Legion of Mary.
Sr. Anita, came to St. Matthias after having “ministered
at her community’s retreat center, St. Francis
Center for Renewal in Bethlehem, PA, for 33 years, Sr.
Anita said she had a “Feeling for a need for a
change after so many years in the same place, Sr. began
looking for a new ministry. It was a real blessing for
me to find a position open here at St. Matthias. teachings
of Saints Francis and Clare fulfills my call to walk
in the footsteps of Christ.”
Sr. Anita, a native of Whitehall,
Pa., holds a B.S. in education from Carlow College in
Pittsburgh, an M.A. in Guidance and Counseling from
Seton Hall University in South Orange, and an M.A. in
Religious Studies from St. Charles Seminary.
Sr. Anita concludes, “Experiencing
parish life for the first time—parish prayer,
parish liturgies, parish ministry—and its everyday
richness, has shed a new light on my spiritual journey.
We don’t go it alone; we travel together, encouraging
each other, inspiring each other, witnessing with our
lives the ‘call’ to holiness.”
Sr. Anita can be reached at (732)
828-1400, or by email: akuchera@smpo.us
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Dolores
R. Nann
Dolores is a member of the Pastoral Staff since September
1998 when she became the first Director of Development
for our parish and school. She worked closely with the
Stewardship Committee and the School Development Committee.
Dolores is now the Director of Adult Formation.
For nine years as Associate Director
of the Metuchen Diocesan Office of Religious Education,
Dolores worked closely with the diocesan schools office
for teacher certification and professional development.
Dolores grew up in Caldwell, NJ, graduated from the
Mt. Saint Dominic Academy and holds a Bachelor of Arts
degree in French and Education from Rosemont College
in Pennsylvania. She earned a Masters in Pastoral Ministry
from Immaculate Conception Seminary, Seton Hall University
in 1993. She is the proud parent of four children (two
boys and two girls) and is a grandmother of beautiful
Maya.
Dolores can be reached at (732) 828-1400
or by email: deenann@aol.com
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Dr.
Jean Patrick
Dr. Jean Patrick is vice principal of St. Matthias School.
She has been an educator for 19 years -- 15 as an elementary
school teacher for North Brunswick Township and four
as a school administrator.
Dr. Jean holds a Masters Degree in elementary education
from The College of New Jersey and an education degree
from Rutgers University. She specialized in children’s
writing and her experience includes workshop presentations
on the creative writing process and communication skill
development.
Dr. Jean can be reached at (732) 828-1402.
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Nicole
Patrick
Nicole Patrick, joined Pastoral
Staff in September 2005. Nicole is the first Junior
High Youth Minster at St. Matthias. Nicole was inspired
to work with youth through her participation in the
Peer Leadership program offered at Bishop George Ahr
High School in Edison, New Jersey. As a senior, throughout
the program Nicole was able to bond with freshman youth
through icebreakers and other activities. Upon graduation
from BGA, Nicole received her Bachelor of Science degree
in Elementary Education from the University of Scranton
in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Nicole discovered the opening
for a Junior High Youth Minister from her mother, Dr.
Jean Patrick, who is the Vice Principal of SMS. Having
previously worked at SMS as a secretary, tutor, and
substitute teacher for the past two summers, Nicole
was excited to be able to join a team with whom she
had already felt very welcomed.
Nicole's primary duties include planning
leadership, social, spiritual, and service activities
for the 5th-8th grade youth, collaborating with Pastoral
Associates to develop a comprehensive Confirmation program,
recruiting new members with a focus on public school
youth into youth ministry, building a Junior High Leadership
team and an Adult Core Team, collaborating with the
Summer SONdays team, and simply being a role model and
confidante for youth.Asked about her goals at St. Matthias,
Nicole replied: “I aspire to foster the total
personal and spiritual growth of each young person.
And in doing so, I wish to fulfill my main goal of empowering
young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in
our world today. That is, I want youth to live out the
gospel not out of obligation, but out of desire to become
closer to God by serving him. I feel blessed in receiving
this position because I have always wanted to inspire
youth positively in their journey towards God.”
Nicole can be reached at
(732) 828-1400 or by email:
Npatrick@smpo.us
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Deacon
John M. Radvanski
Deacon John was ordained on June 13, 1998 by The Most
Reverend Vincent DePaul Breen, bishop of Metuchen, at
St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral in Metuchen. In addition
to his liturgical duties, he is involved with junior
and senior high school youth ministries and provides
computer technology support. In additon, he is responsible
for the Marriage Preparation Team, (formerly known as
Pre- Cana). He also witnesses marriages at St. Matthias
and administers the sacrament of Baptism.
A graduate of Hudson Catholic High
School, Jersey City, NJ, Deacon John holds a Bachelor
of Science degree in computer science from St. Peter’s
College in Jersey City, NJ and a Certificate in Ministry
from The College of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station.
He lives in Somerset with his wife Regina and daughters
Christina, Erin and Kiera.
Deacon John can be reached at the
parish office (732) 828-1400.
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Sr. Maria Riedel, OSF
As the Pastoral Associate for Children’s
Ministries, Sister Maria J. Riedel’s responsibilities
include the Religious Education of Children in Grades
K – 8, Summer SONdays, and the Children’s
Liturgy of the Word.
Sister Maria was raised in Carteret, NJ and is a member
of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters. She resides at
Holy Family Convent with members of her community. Sister
Maria has had experiences as a Junior High teacher,
Principal, DRE, and Retreat House Director. Before her
arrival at St. Matthias, Sister Maria ministered among
persons in homeless situations in NYC. She served as
a team member with the Life Experience and Faith Sharing
Association creating Faith Communities with the men
and women who lived in shelters.
Sister Maria received BA in Education from Alvernia
College in Reading, PA and a Master’s degree in
Administration from Villanova University.
Sister Maria is grateful for the sense of belonging
she experiences at St. Matthias. “Being a Pastoral
Staff member is a gift from God. There can be no other
way for me to describe how I came to be part of this
wonderful community. I thank God every day for this
magnificent gift!”
Sr. Maria can be reached at (732)
828-3786, or by email: mriedel@smpo.us
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Joan
Best Seamon
Joan Best Seamon has been the Director of Music at The
Catholic Community of St. Matthias since 1978. In this
role she is the principal organist, the conductor of
the Folk Group and the Children's Choir, and accompanist
for the Adult Choir. Joan also oversees the Umoja Imani
songsters; the Ensemble; the FAASM choir and the Archangels.
In addition, Joan is responsible for the musical training
and development of more than 20 volunteer cantors.
Joan has a Bachelor of Arts degree
in music education from Douglass College and a M.A.T.
in music history and theory from Rutgers University.
She has served on diocesan music, R.C.I.A., and liturgy
committees and she is an active member of the Metuchen
Chapter of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
In addition, Joan is a member of the Plainfield Area
Children's Choir Festival for which she prepares and
conducts a 180-voice children's choir for the festival
at Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church in Plainfield.
Joan and her husband Terry live in
New Brunswick with their two sons, Kevin and David.
Joan can be reached at (732) 418-1044 or by email at
jseamon@smpo.us
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Sr.
Marie Therese Sherwood O.S.F.
Pastoral Associate For Social Concerns.
Sr. Marie Terese can be reached at 732-828-1400 or email
at msherwood@smpo.us
Bio to come
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Sr. Mary
Amata Shina O.S.F.
Pastoral Administrator.
Sr Amata can be reached at 732-828-1400
or by email at peace@smpo.us
bio to come
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Care Support Ministry
Nursing Homes
With Disabilities