A Bittersweet Pentecost with Bon Voyage Blessings

Fr. Michael & Donna Gerhardt Head to their Next Adventure

Pentecost Sunday was a mixture of laughter and tears as the Rev. Michael Gerhardt and his wife Donna spent their last regular Sunday with us before moving out of the area.

Fr. Michael, a hospital chaplain who had previously served as vicar at nearby Christ Church: Teaneck, was our regular celebrant from 2008 until 2011, during a time when St. Mark’s was laity-led as we went through a transitional period between rectors. He then went on to lead Christ Church: Hackensack while Donna remained with us, serving both as a Eucharistic minister as well as on the finance team. He retired from there in 2022 and has since been a regular fixture at our altar.

We were also joined by Michael and Donna’s daughters Ashley and Celia, who grew up with us, participating in youth group and as acolytes. Luckily they are staying local so mom and dad will still be in the area for regular visits!