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.  Sr. Marie was also 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”.

Mr. Hirsch, our Dean of Academics, has a rich background in Catholic education, having attended Catholic primary and secondary schools, including Seton Hall Prep. His dedication to working with students began with teaching Sunday School to middle school students in his parish. Through that experience he discerned his vocation to be an educator. 

Since discerning the call, Mr. Hirsch earned his Post Bachelor's Teaching Certification, a Masters in Curriculum and Instructional Design, and a Post Master's Certification in Administration all from Caldwell University. He has been with us since 2020, serving in various roles such as a teacher of Social Studies and Religion and as Technology Coordinator. 

Sister Shirlee Tremont, MPF is a native of Atlantic City, New Jersey, where she attended Our Lady Star of the Sea elementary school and Atlantic City High School. After competing in high school varsity field hockey, basketball, and softball, Sister went onto Temple University via a full athletic scholarship for softball. Following her undergraduate studies earning a Bachelor of Science in Education, Sister taught kindergarten for six years at Saint Joseph Elementary School in Hammonton, New Jersey, where she also coached field hockey and softball. It was during her time there that Sister Shirlee met the Filippini sisters and decided to hang up her cleats and answer the call on her heart to say, "Yes" to the Lord's invitation to religious life. After her formation years at Villa Walsh, Sister continued teaching grades three, seven, and eight respectfully - while earning her Master's Degree in Administration and Supervision from Fordham University. Sister comes to us now after 20+ years at Saint Bernadette Catholic Academy in Brooklyn where she was the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade English teacher, and the junior high religion teacher. Sister was also the moderator of the Student Council and the director of the school's annual talent show and passion play. In her spare time, Sister Shirlee enjoys bike riding and still travels with her softball glove, just in case!