Clergy
The Rev. Gerard "Jerry" A. Racioppi, Rector
Phone: (973) 239-2850 Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Friday from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and by appointment
Following a childhood dream, Father Jerry entered the priesthood after a first career in Human Resources with Marriott International working at ten different hotels in Manhattan and northern NJ. Verona born and bred, Father Jerry earned his Masters of Divinity from Drew Theological Seminary in Madison, NJ in 2015 and was previously seminarian at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Montclair. For undergraduate, Father Jerry attended Iona College in New Rochelle, NY studying Speech Communications and soon after received a M.S.Ed. in Counseling from Fordham University at Lincoln Center.
Father Jerry began at Holy Spirit Verona in May 2015 and co-leads the congregation currently with our Curate, Churchwardens and Vestry. Father Jerry's joy-filled approach has brought energy, new ideas, and excitement to Holy Spirit. Jerry enjoys being a priest in his hometown as well as serving as Chaplain to the Verona Chapter of the Italian-American Service Organization (UNICO National). Father Jerry has been married to his husband Randy Johnson since 2004 (before same-sex unions were permitted in The Episcopal Church). Jerry and Randy were the first same-sex couple to be married in West Orange (their current residence) when the law changed in 2013. One of the many joys of their lives are their dogs, now deceased Max and Bear, and currently Maggie and Benji.
Phone: (973) 239-2850 Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Friday from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and by appointment
Following a childhood dream, Father Jerry entered the priesthood after a first career in Human Resources with Marriott International working at ten different hotels in Manhattan and northern NJ. Verona born and bred, Father Jerry earned his Masters of Divinity from Drew Theological Seminary in Madison, NJ in 2015 and was previously seminarian at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Montclair. For undergraduate, Father Jerry attended Iona College in New Rochelle, NY studying Speech Communications and soon after received a M.S.Ed. in Counseling from Fordham University at Lincoln Center.
Father Jerry began at Holy Spirit Verona in May 2015 and co-leads the congregation currently with our Curate, Churchwardens and Vestry. Father Jerry's joy-filled approach has brought energy, new ideas, and excitement to Holy Spirit. Jerry enjoys being a priest in his hometown as well as serving as Chaplain to the Verona Chapter of the Italian-American Service Organization (UNICO National). Father Jerry has been married to his husband Randy Johnson since 2004 (before same-sex unions were permitted in The Episcopal Church). Jerry and Randy were the first same-sex couple to be married in West Orange (their current residence) when the law changed in 2013. One of the many joys of their lives are their dogs, now deceased Max and Bear, and currently Maggie and Benji.
The Rev. Katherine Rollo, Curate
Email: [email protected]
Rev. Katherine Rollo is a priest in the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, having been ordained on December 18, 2021. She is a graduate of Drew Theological Seminary, in Madison and obtained a Master of Divinity. As part of the requirement for ordination to the priesthood she has also served as Chaplain at St. Barnabas Hospital. She served as the seminarian (beginning in September 2019) and Transitional Deacon (May 2021) here at Holy Spirit, before accepting the role of Curate.
Baptized Roman Catholic at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Montclair, Rev. Katherine attended Immaculate Conception grammar school and graduated high school there in 1966. In 1970 she obtained a degree in elementary education from Seton Hall University and taught in Jersey City, Newark and Kearney. Later she left teaching for a career in business working for what was then New York Telephone Company.
With early retirement came the opportunity to pursue her interests in helping people to live a healthy lifestyle. She became a personal trainer working for the North Jersey Regional Arthritis Center and obtained certifications in Spiritual Direction, Reiki and Healing Touch. This desire to serve and comfort lead her to discern her call to the priesthood.
Her husband John, a lifelong Episcopalian, introduced her to the Church. Married in St. Luke’s, Montclair in 1993, they lived in Clifton before moving to Verona in 2007. Rev. Katherine completed her first year as a seminarian at St. James in Upper Montclair where her husband is currently Treasurer. Although time is scarce these days, it has not stopped them from enjoying their love for antiquing and their goal of attending all the major league baseball stadiums.
Email: [email protected]
Rev. Katherine Rollo is a priest in the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, having been ordained on December 18, 2021. She is a graduate of Drew Theological Seminary, in Madison and obtained a Master of Divinity. As part of the requirement for ordination to the priesthood she has also served as Chaplain at St. Barnabas Hospital. She served as the seminarian (beginning in September 2019) and Transitional Deacon (May 2021) here at Holy Spirit, before accepting the role of Curate.
Baptized Roman Catholic at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Montclair, Rev. Katherine attended Immaculate Conception grammar school and graduated high school there in 1966. In 1970 she obtained a degree in elementary education from Seton Hall University and taught in Jersey City, Newark and Kearney. Later she left teaching for a career in business working for what was then New York Telephone Company.
With early retirement came the opportunity to pursue her interests in helping people to live a healthy lifestyle. She became a personal trainer working for the North Jersey Regional Arthritis Center and obtained certifications in Spiritual Direction, Reiki and Healing Touch. This desire to serve and comfort lead her to discern her call to the priesthood.
Her husband John, a lifelong Episcopalian, introduced her to the Church. Married in St. Luke’s, Montclair in 1993, they lived in Clifton before moving to Verona in 2007. Rev. Katherine completed her first year as a seminarian at St. James in Upper Montclair where her husband is currently Treasurer. Although time is scarce these days, it has not stopped them from enjoying their love for antiquing and their goal of attending all the major league baseball stadiums.
Staff
Catherine Tamasik, Parish Administrator
Phone: (973) 239-2850 Email: [email protected]
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.
Phone: (973) 239-2850 Email: [email protected]
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.
Lynda Veech, Choir Director
Ms. Lynda Anne Veech has been a musician in both sacred and secular settings for most of her life. She is currently in her seventh year as the vocal music instructor and choir director at Ola Edwards Community School in Hillside, NJ. She also accompanies the “Voices of Verona/West Essex” adult choir. Additionally, she is a pianist, a vocalist, a church organist, a clarinetist, and a flautist. She also plays the saxophone, the guitar, and
various folk string instruments. She has written and performed several original songs, and is currently working on an album of original music. Lynda received her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and Piano from Mason Gross School of the Arts, her Master’s Degree in Music History from Rutgers University, the Graduate School, and her Master’s Degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Westminster Choir College. She currently lives in Verona with her mom, “Grandma Jo”, in her childhood home. She is honored and excited to join the community at The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit as the choir director.
Ms. Lynda Anne Veech has been a musician in both sacred and secular settings for most of her life. She is currently in her seventh year as the vocal music instructor and choir director at Ola Edwards Community School in Hillside, NJ. She also accompanies the “Voices of Verona/West Essex” adult choir. Additionally, she is a pianist, a vocalist, a church organist, a clarinetist, and a flautist. She also plays the saxophone, the guitar, and
various folk string instruments. She has written and performed several original songs, and is currently working on an album of original music. Lynda received her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and Piano from Mason Gross School of the Arts, her Master’s Degree in Music History from Rutgers University, the Graduate School, and her Master’s Degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Westminster Choir College. She currently lives in Verona with her mom, “Grandma Jo”, in her childhood home. She is honored and excited to join the community at The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit as the choir director.
Gretchen Bilson, Organist
Gretchen joined as our semi-regular Organist in 2022, but has been a friend of Holy Spirit for many years. We are grateful that she has rounded out our music ministry with her experience as choir member, director and church organist.
Gretchen joined as our semi-regular Organist in 2022, but has been a friend of Holy Spirit for many years. We are grateful that she has rounded out our music ministry with her experience as choir member, director and church organist.
Kathleen Gentile, Sunday School Teacher
A mother of three adult children, Kathleen lives in Parsippany and works in payroll for a Bloomfield-based company. She is also certified as a Domestic Violence Advocate. In previous roles, she has worked in other church school settings as well as in retail. She is owned by several canines, and an occasional feline or three.
A mother of three adult children, Kathleen lives in Parsippany and works in payroll for a Bloomfield-based company. She is also certified as a Domestic Violence Advocate. In previous roles, she has worked in other church school settings as well as in retail. She is owned by several canines, and an occasional feline or three.
Sunovia Scudder, Sunday School Teacher (volunteer)
Ms. Sunny, as she is known to our Sunday School students, has been a member at Holy Spirit Verona since her childhood. She attended classes for many years when Momma Jane Eliasof was Sunday School Teacher and has literally "grown up" while being a member here. We are grateful for Sunovia's generous spirit to now teach our kids as a volunteer.
Ms. Sunny, as she is known to our Sunday School students, has been a member at Holy Spirit Verona since her childhood. She attended classes for many years when Momma Jane Eliasof was Sunday School Teacher and has literally "grown up" while being a member here. We are grateful for Sunovia's generous spirit to now teach our kids as a volunteer.
Episco-Pets
Meet Maggie and Benji who on Fridays may greet you at the parking lot door, in the Fellowship Hall playing with their toys or in Father Jerry's Office resting. You may also find them walking around Gould Street together; say hello when you see them!
Meet Maggie and Benji who on Fridays may greet you at the parking lot door, in the Fellowship Hall playing with their toys or in Father Jerry's Office resting. You may also find them walking around Gould Street together; say hello when you see them!
Wardens & Treasurer
Jane Eliasof '26, Churchwarden & Clerk, Thrift Shop Liaison
Email: [email protected]
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.
Email: [email protected]
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 '27, Churchwarden, Worship & Program Liaison
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.
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.
Tricia Smythe, Treasurer
Tricia is married and the mother of three adult children. She also works as a dental hygienist and does amazing work in the world of canine rescue. Looking to foster or give a dog a forever-home? Speak with Tricia!
Tricia is married and the mother of three adult children. She also works as a dental hygienist and does amazing work in the world of canine rescue. Looking to foster or give a dog a forever-home? Speak with Tricia!
Vestry
Melissa Dat '28, Sunday School Liaison
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Reggie Mitchell '27, Building & Grounds Liaison
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Lynne Mortimer '27, Outreach Liaison
Sunovia Scudder '26, Welcome/Engagement Liaison
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Ron Mueller '28, Food Pantry Liaison
Peggy Valentino '26, Vestry Minutes Taker
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