Holy Spirit School

Born and raised in Clifton, Fr. Stephen is from Sacred Heart Parish in Botany Village where he attended elementary school.
After graduating from Seton Hall Preparatory High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Franciscan University, Steubenville, Ohio.
Having discerned his call to the priesthood while in college, Fr. Stephen attended Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University for one year before transferring to the North American College in Rome for his studies in theology. In Rome he earned a Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Institute of John Paul II for Studies on Marriage and the Family.
Fr. Stephen was ordained a deacon on October 2, 2014 in St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome, and a priest on May 23, 2015 at St. Philip Church, Clifton. His first assignment was as parochial vicar at St. Joseph Church, Mendham. In 2019 he was named Vice Chancellor and Priest Secretary to Bishop Serratelli. He continued to serve in that role with Bishop Sweeney. On June 29, 2021, Bishop Sweeney appointed Fr. Stephen as pastor of Holy Spirit Church while remaining Vice Chancellor.
 

Sr. Marie Antonelli, MPF professed her final vows as a member of the Community of Religious Teachers Filippini.  Sr. Marie earned a B.A. degree in education from Seton Hall University and an M.A. in administration and supervision from Fordham University.  She has spent her entire religious life as either a teacher or administrator (principal) in Catholic education, including more than 30 years as principal here at Holy Spirit School.

Sr. Marie has been the recipient of many major awards and honors, including “Distinguished Principal” by the National Catholic Education Association.  In addition, Sr. Marie was the recipient of the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal from Pope John II, an honor through which she also was conferred the title of “monsignor”. 

Sr. Marie received the Vivere Christus Award from Bishop Arthur J Serratelli for personal contributions to the mission of Christ and His Church.  She received the Caritas Award for Advocacy, granted to a very select few individuals in recognition of their embodiment of the spirit of stewardship in our Diocese.  Sister’s award presentation described her as “a legend in our Diocese for her fierce commitment to Catholic education” and “a most significant witness to the presence of Christ”.

In fulfilling the Mission of Holy Spirit School, Sr. Marie strives to lead by emulating the words of Jesus Christ enjoining us to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”  Luke 10:27