Clergy, Staff & Leaders

Clergy

racioppi

The Rev. Gerard "Jerry" A. Racioppi, Rector

(973) 239-2850
rector@holyspiritverona.org

Office Hours:  Wednesday from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. and Friday from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

***Fr. Jerry will not have office hours on the following dates: June 15, 22, July 17, 19, and August 14, 16, 2018.***

Following a childhood dream, Jerry entered the priesthood after a first career in Human Resources with Marriott hotels. Verona born and bred, Jerry earned his Masters of Divinity from Drew Theological Seminary in Madison, NJ and was previously seminarian at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Montclair.

Read more

Staff

catherine

Catherine Tamasik, Parish Administrator

(973) 239-2850
office@holyspiritverona.org

Catherine is not only our Parish Administrator, but a member of our congregation. She's the voice you'll hear when you call the Church of the Holy Spirit.  Catherine's knowledge of the workings of Holy Spirit, as well as her natural warmth and calm spirit, make her an ideal addition to our church staff. 

Read more
Sung-Hae

Sung-Hae Jung, Music Director

music@holyspiritverona.org

Sung-Hae Jung, an active pianist/keyboardist and a long-time educator who came to the US to study after graduating at the top of her class with a BA in piano performance from Koshin University in Korea.  She studied further in music education for MA at Lehman College of City University of New York and for EdD-ABD at Teachers College of Columbia University. She was born in a Christian family and her mother brought Ms. Jung to the local piano teacher just to be a church pianist at the age of 6.  Her church musician career started at the age of 9 in her home church.

Read more
ashley

Ashley McDowell, Sunday School Teacher

sundayschool@holyspiritverona.org

From Maplewood, Ashley is in her final semester at Caldwell University studying music education. She plays the flute and brings her musical gifts to enhance our Sunday School and worship experiences. Previously Ashley has worked as a camp counselor several years in a row, as well as in retail.

Read more
kathleen

Kathleen Gentile, Sunday School Teacher

sundayschool@holyspiritverona.org

A mother of three, with her eldest in college, Kathleen lives in Parsippany and works in human resources at the Marriott Hanover in Whippany.  In previous roles, she has worked in other church school settings as well as in retail.

Read more
max-bear

Episco-Pals

You may find Max or Bear in the rector's office or walking with Jerry around town. They are always willing to give you a happy and spirit-filled welcome!

Read more

Wardens

Jane Eliasof

Jane Eliasof, Warden & Clerk

jane@holyspiritverona.org

Jane joined the Church of the Holy Spirit in 1993 when she was looking for a local church in which to raise her two children. She soon became involved with the Sunday School program, and spent 17 years guiding the children of Holy Spirit.  She has served on the Vestry, as Warden, and in other ministries in the past and is excited about the future of Holy Spirit.

Patti Walsh, Warden

Patti Walsh has been a member of Holy Spirit for over 10 years, since moving to Verona. She is married with two children, and works in corporate communications.

Karen B

Karen Blasi-Blinder, Treasurer

karenbb@holyspiritverona.org

Karen joined the Church of the Holy Spirit in the early 1990s. She has vast experience in many aspects of the church, having served as Treasurer, Parish Administrator, and on the Vestry.