Clergy and Staff


Staff Meeting, February 2017

Staff Lunch, January 2018
Not pictured, Pat Sheeleigh

	The Rev. Michael Muller, Priest-in-Charge The Rev. Michael Anthony Muller was welcomed in January 2018 as the new spiritual leader of Saint Peter's. He hails from Australia where he grew up as a Roman Catholic. He was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest in the Archdiocese of Newark and served several years as an Associate Pastor. After much reflection, Fr. Michael changed course, began attending Episcopal services, and became an active member of the Episcopal Church in 1999. In his secular life he was regional sales manager of a firm in New York. His Roman Catholic ordination was recognized and received into the Episcopal Church in 2016 after his completion of Anglican studies. Fr. Michael holds degrees from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, Seton Hall University, South Orange and Catholic University in Washington, D. C. Michael and his wife, Liz, have five children, two in college and one in elementary school. They presently reside in Denville and look forward to relocating in the local community in the near future.
	John Pivarnik, Minister of Music John has studied piano and organ extensively, including undergraduate studies at Susquehanna University (where he majored in piano performance and studied organ) to organ and piano studies in Denmark, Germany and Hungary and graduate piano study at Temple University. He teaches piano privately and performs frequently with the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey and Opera at Florham. He has performed at Grace Church, Madison for the annual Baroque Music Festivals. John joined us in September 2011 after serving most recently as organist/choirmaster at Christ Church in Short Hills, NJ. He also works as a freelance instrumental and vocal accompanist and performs solo recitals frequently in the metropolitan area. John lives in Madison with his wife, Esther, and their French bulldog, Nellie.
	Eileen Andersen, Parish Secretary Eileen, a long-time member of St. Peter's, began work on the Staff in 1992 and became Parish Secretary in 1997. She is the friendly voice at the other end of the phone during office hours (Tues-Thurs), prepares the Sunday worship bulletins, sends notices to volunteers, deals with myriad forms and the other duties that collect around a person who manages a parish office. Residing in West Caldwell, Eileen has raised three sons and now has six granddaughters, and enjoys her interactions with people in the Parish. "There is so much to like about Saint Peter's--especially the way people care for each other."
	Toby West, Property Manager Baptized in Montclair, Confirmed at Saint Peter's, and long active in the Parish, Toby became Property Manager in 2010. This multi-faceted position involves not only the maintenance of the fabric of the buildings and grounds, but making sure they are ready for regular use. A dedicated handyman, Toby can be found hanging pictures or dealing with plumbing, supervising teenagers working on the grounds, or supervising men working on special projects like renovating the Chapel sacristy--whatever is needed. For Toby, caring for the material fabric of the church is a tangible way of serving God.
	Dana Leach, Sunday School Head Dana's involvement with our children's Christian education goes back almost two decades, shortly after she and her family came to Saint Peter's and her two boys were baptized here. Like so many teachers, her special delight is "All that I learn from the children." After many years teaching Sunday School, she became Sunday School Head in 2014. She organizes the program year and lessons for our three class levels, recruits and trains teachers, keeps the classrooms supplied and communications timely. Dana also recruits children for the monthly "Family Church" service and guides them as they usher, read, and participate in multiple aspects of the service.
	Vince Corso, Pastoral Assistant As Pastoral Assistant, Vince offers counseling services to parishioners who find themselves navigating the unfamiliar territory of advanced illness, coping with the death of a loved one, divorce, loss of employment or other significant issues. Vince preaches regularly, leads Morning and Evening Prayer when needed and is a member of the choir. Formerly a Franciscan Priest in the Roman Church, Vince is in the Diocesan discernment process to have his Ordination received into the Episcopal Church. Vince was Manager of Bereavement Services, Spiritual Care and Community Education for the Visiting Nurse Service of New York Hospice and Palliative Care for nearly 20 years. Vince holds Masters Degrees in Divinity and Social Work and is licensed to practice social work in New Jersey and New York.
	Susan Negrotto, Pastoral Assistant Sue, part of the Saint Peter's community since her husband's time here as Interim, has become ever more deeply drawn "toward chaplaincy." This call to ministry with the sick and suffering took her into formal Clinical Pastoral Education, and then to seminary courses, even as her pastoral work at Saint Peter's deepened with communion to the sick and visitation of shut-ins and people in the hospital. A Sunday lector and Eucharistic minister as well, Sue is Health and Healing Coordinator, supporting a variety of related ministries: Angel Food, the Prayer Shawls, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Lay Pastoral Callers, and the Prayer Chain. Her call into this work has also led to her ordination as a Priest in the Old Catholic lineage, even as she continues her long-time relationship with the Episcopal Church.
	The Reverend Anthony Puca, Jr., Youth Minister Anthony became assistant rector at Saint Peter's in the spring of 2014, and was promoted to associate rector in June 2015, and now serves as rector of Grace Church Westwood. He remains connected to Saint Peter's in his role as Youth Minister, directing SPY and activities associated with their Mission Trip. Father Anthony received his undergraduate degree from Temple University, where he majored in Religious Studies. He attended The General Theological Seminary in New York City where he received an M. Div. with Certificate in Spiritual Direction. Father Anthony was ordained to the priesthood from the Diocese of New Jersey in June 2014. He and his wife Paula have one child, Anthony III, born in September 2015.
	Christine Corso, Editor of Life at Saint Peter's Chris works as editor of our weekly electronic newsletter, Life at Saint Peter's, maintaining an email contact list and gathering information from clergy, staff and parishioners about upcoming events. She sends special "e-blasts" to promote special activities at church as well as The OpShop, and maintains our current web site. In particular, Chris enjoys serving as a lector and co-Director of our annual Vacation School. As the only non-singing member of the Corso family, Chris appreciates listening to her husband and children in the Choir.

© 2018
Saint Peter's Episcopal Church
271 Roseland Avenue
Essex Fells, NJ 07021
Phone: 973.226.6500
Fax: 973.226.5477