Our Staff

Jennifer has served as rector of St. Mary’s since April of 2014. Prior to serving as our rector she was the rector of Church of the Epiphany in Rumford, RI.  She was educated at Sweet Briar College and Harvard Divinity School before her ordination to the priesthood in 1999. She became a priest following an early career as a teacher.  Her priesthood has continued to be a call to follow Jesus in teaching, leading, healing, praying, feasting, and resting. A lifelong Episcopalian, she continues to grow in her love for God and the people with whom she serves. 

As rector Jennifer is responsible for the worship and spiritual life of our community as well as managing our resources, campus, and leadership. She delights in welcoming all people to St. Mary’s and supporting them as they connect with God and each other. It is a sincere announcement she makes every Sunday, telling worshipers “you matter here.” On a daily basis, Jennifer is grateful for the gifts God has entrusted to us at St. Mary’s, most especially the community, lay leadership and staff. She is currently training as a spiritual director at the Haden Institute and is a mentor for the Trinity Leadership Fellows Program at Trinity Wall Street.

She has two young adult daughters, Lydia and Bella, a loud, tiny dog named Ari, great friends and a garden, all of which bring her joy!

Meaghan joined St. Mary's as the Associate Rector in June of 2023. Meaghan graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary in 2007, and started her ministry at Emmanuel Church in Southern Pines, North Carolina. She then worked for 11 years as the Executive Director at the Episcopal Conference Center (ECC), the camp and retreat center for the Diocese of Rhode Island. She grew up attending Trinity Church in Newport, Rhode Island, and went to ECC as a camper. Years later when she worked on staff at ECC, she met Jonathan. After working at summer camp together for many years they married, and now have three children: Johvaun, Samuel and Emily.

Meaghan takes her life of faith seriously, but doesn't think that a life of faith must always be serious. She values play, joy, and laughter and believes that it deepens our connections with one another, allowing us to more fully show up for each other during life's more difficult moments. She has been involved in the life of St. Mary's for many years now, and has experienced joyful and meaningful connections here. She is delighted to be serving St. Mary's full time.

Jon has lived on Aquidneck Island for 35 years, working as a carpenter, audio-visual technician, painter, landscaper, herdsperson, and sexton. Jon became our full-time Property Manager in January 2019. Jon’s first love is cooking – then traveling. His dream is to travel to more European countries in the next few years. As a personal goal, Jon has been trying to live a simpler life. Life is too short – K.I.S.S. (Keep it simple, stupid!)

Karen is our parish administrator and leader of our Sunday morning Bible study.  She will tell you that one her favorite titles for God is the Great Puzzle Maker, and her coming to St. Mary’s is the latest piece that God has added to the puzzle of her life.

Over the past 35 years, the puzzle pieces of Karen’s ministry have been numerous – from serving as the Director of the East Bay CYO Youth Center in the 80’s, to the Director of Youth Ministry and Retreat Leader at the La Sallette Retreat House in the 90’s, and to most  birthing and growing a women’s ministry at a local parish. Karen’s Master’s degree in Biblical Studies and years of experience in administration in ministry have taught her that the church should never look like just another business. Rather, we should reflect the One we follow, Jesus, the Christ.

She enjoys being outdoors; biking, swimming and walking Rhode Island's many parks and trails.