The Rev. Dr. Michael Giansiracusa

May 24, 2026

Day of Pentecost

“Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’”

Dear Good People of St. John’s,

It is with excitement and anticipation that I write to you! As you may know, I will be joining you as Priest-in-Charge on July 1st. 

Throughout the search process and final meeting with your vestry, I was struck by their obvious love for St. John’s, their warmth and commitment to dialogue, and their willingness to maintain traditions while also being open to new ministry opportunities. Together, I think St. John’s will continue to be a church for all people and deepen its mission of facilitating God’s welcome and nurture. Additionally, St. John’s is well-positioned to grow internally and externally through the study and practice of the Gospel that challenges us to be a community of love and justice, respecting the dignity of every human being. 

A question you might be asking is: how in the world do you pronounce the new priest’s last name? It is a Sicilian name and pronounced John-sarah-coo-za.  It looks much more difficult than it is!  Currently, I serve as Head Chaplain at St. Andrew’s School in Middletown, DE, an Episcopal boarding high school with 100% of students living on campus. You may know it best as the school used in the 1989 film “Dead Poets Society” with Robin Williams. I have valued my two years there, but desired to be back in a parish community doing ministry both inside and outside the church walls. After a thirteen-year career in teaching, I was ordained a priest in 2012 in the Diocese of PA and have served urban and suburban churches in Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs. 

This is a joyful time! I look forward to meeting all of you very soon and listening to your stories about how St. John’s has been a part of your faith life and discerning what God may be up to in Salem, NJ, as we begin our journey together. Let us rejoice in the power of the Spirit!

Peace,

Fr. Mike