Deacon Joe was ordained a permanent Deacon on May 31, 2003. His ministry is focused on the Children’s Gospel Program. He and his wife Debbie conduct the program during the homily at the 9:00 a.m. Mass on Sundays during the school year months. They lead the children to the church hall and provide a program geared for those who have yet to receive their first communion. By using the Children’s Lectionary, age appropriate instruction and projects, the children learn the basic message given in the readings for that Sunday. They then return to the main church to be with their family during the Eucharist.

Joe and Debbie met through a Saint Peter’s theater group called the “Keys to the Kingdom Players”, which is no longer active. Joe was directing a play, and Debbie originally volunteered to work on it. Because they were short a few people, he convinced her portray one of the male roles, changing it from Harry to Harriet! The rest as they say is history. Married since 1992, they have one daughter, Jean, who is currently in college. Joe can be reached through the parish office at 973-334-2090 or [email protected].