Our LEADERSHIP

CLErgy and Staff

The Rev. Jennifer Pedrick

Rector

Office: (401) 846-9700, ext. 103

E-Mail: jennifer@smcportsmouth.org

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 adult daughters, Lydia and Bella, great friends, and a garden, all of which bring her joy.

The Rev. Jennifer Pedrick

Rector

Office: (401) 846-9700, ext. 103

E-Mail: jennifer@smcportsmouth.org

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 adult daughters, Lydia and Bella, great friends, and a garden, all of which bring her joy.

The Rev. Dr. John Gregory Prior

Associate Rector

Office: 401-846-9700 Ext. 104

E-Mail: greg@smcportsmouth.org

Our associate rector, Greg Prior, has been an Episcopal priest for more than forty years. After retiring as rector of St. Andrew's by-the-Sea in Little Compton, he served as interim rector of four churches in the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island, including St Mary's. A Providence native, he graduated from Providence College and did graduate work at the Writers Workshop at the University of Iowa. He entered the ministry following a fifteen-year career in journalism and public relations. He previously served three churches in the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina.

He studied for ministry at the University of the South, Sewanee, where he also earned Doctor of Ministry degree concentrating on Celtic Spirituality. Greg has three children and three grandchildren. He lives in Tiverton and enjoys taking very long walks and hanging out at the beach.

Karen Laroche

Pastoral Associate for Administration

Office: (401) 846-9700, ext. 100

E-Mail:  karen@smcportsmouth.org

Karen is our pastoral associate for administration.  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.

For almost 40 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 recently 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.

Jon Walker

Property Manager

Office: (401) 846-9700, ext. 105

E-Mail: jon@smcportsmouth.org

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!)

Michael DiMucci

Pastoral Musician

Office: (401) 846-9700, ext. 100

E-Mail: michaeldimuccimusic@gmail.com

Michael is St. Mary’s pastoral musician. He has degrees from Roger Williams University and Rhode Island School of Design, and, with his wife Jenny, is co-owner of One Studio SMOOCH, an art, music/theater, and beauty studio, where he teaches piano, voice and art lessons for children and adults.

Michael’s musical background and experience are multi-faceted. He has performed at the Boheme Opera in Trenton, NJ, the University of Rhode Island’s Opera Workshop, and many other large and small venues throughout New England. He is at home singing Broadway/musical theater, opera, classical music, jazz, the American songbook, hymns, gospel, and religious works. His church experience includes music director, pianist, cantor, and organist at St. Mary’s Church in Bristol and Lime Rock Baptist Church in Lincoln (RI)

VESTRY

Sarah Gibbs Trustees

Established by the Sarah Gibbs Trust in 1843, this group ensures that the property that Sarah Gibbs gave to "establish an Episcopal Church" is used to meet her wishes. 

The Trustees can either be independent or vestry trustees. The independent Trustees are self-nominating for up to seven 3-year terms. The vestry trustees are elected by the vestry for the duration of their vestry term to serve on the Trust. The Bishop of Rhode Island is an ex-officio member of the Trust.

MINISTRY/TEAM LEADERS

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