A History of The Church of Epiphany
The Early Years:
The Church of Epiphany was established in November 1973 by then Bishop George W. Ahr in the Herbertsville Section of Brick, New Jersey.
Father Edward A. Reissner was the first pastor and the first Mass was celebrated on Saturday evening, December 2, 1973 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Masses were held at Lanes Mill School until Holy Week 1974 when the Parish House was purchased and used as a center for parish activities and a residence.
Epiphany immediately became an active Parish with a Music Ministry, youth activities, hospital visitations, CCD Program, and our first “From Ashes to Easter” Program.
Our first deacon, Tony Krisak, was assigned in the Spring of 1974. He was later ordained a priest on May 17, 1975. Our first Religious Sister was Anne Campanella going the Parish staff in the Fall of 1974.
From the very beginning, Epiphany has been a home for it’s people; ministering to their personal and spiritual lives. A place were everyone embraced each other. Hence the slogan “Epiphany is People” was born.
The Not So Distant Past:
Epiphany has been blessed throughout the years to have been shepherded by many faithful Shepherds and Religious:
Father Robert Schecker
Father Jay Bowden
Father Bernardino Esguerra
Sister Doreatha Darling
The Present:
Spring of 2013 brought the Church of Epiphany a new shepherd, Rev. Michael Santangelo. Father Mike, as we call him, has lead with open arms; listening to hear about and learn from what came before, participating in what is current, and planning for the future.
Father Mike has worked to incorporate both the past and present in order to move the Church of Epiphany forward…spiritually with inspiring homilies, enhancing our CCD Program, and continuing to ensure that all are welcome … “Epiphany is People.”
