Bon Voyage, Father Michael!

The Rev. Michael Gerhardt, who served St. Mark’s as our “clergy-in-residence” during a period of transition, has retired from a similar position at Christ Church, Hackensack. His last service on the altar there was Sunday, May 1st. “Father Michael” was honored at a surprise dinner at Luka’s, an Italian restaurant in nearby Bogota, on Wednesday, May 11th.

From 2008-2011, Fr. Michael served as St. Mark’s Extended Supply Priest while the congregation underwent a period of transition under the day-to-day leadership of the parish’s wardens, Karen Booth, Jeffrey Kist and Wilma Pruden. The wardens are lay (non-clergy) members of the congregation who head the vestry (parish committee). Fr. Michael was able to fulfill our spiritual needs while also continuing his work as Chaplain at Somerset Medical Center. When we were ready to embark on our search for a new Rector, he went to fulfill a similar role at Christ Church.

St. Mark’s remains very grateful for Fr. Michael’s gifts to the church and wish him and his wife Donna many blessing in the days ahead.