Permanent Deacons:
Stephen A. Gunther
Mark M. Mueller
Bradley D. Taylor
Father James Nash was chosen by the Most Rev. W. Francis Malooly, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington, in June 2014, to be the pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Parish and School.
Father Nash was born in Wilmington, Delaware in 1962 and is a graduate of St. Mark’s High School in Wilmington, Delaware and the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He went on to study theology at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland and was ordained on October 29, 1995.
Father Nash’s first experience in Easton was 25 years ago when he was in his first year at seminary and came to speak at the Knights of Columbus, Regina Coeli Council 2274. The Knights of Columbus helped support him through his five years at St. Mary’s Seminary, sending funding yearly.
Father Nash has served as director of vocations for the Diocese of Wilmington for 6 years and then as associate pastor of Holy Family Parish in Newark, Delaware. He then became pastor of Christ Our King Parish in Wilmington, Delaware before going back to Holy Family Parish, this time as pastor.
Father Nash grew up in a large Catholic family and he always made attending church a priority in his life, particularly upon graduation from university when he got his first job as an accountant. Father Nash says he attended many churches in his quest for religious truth and meaning and believes he was called to become a priest.
Father Nash’s ministry has included acting as a chaplain for the Nemours Foundation’s Alfred I. Dupont Children’s Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Delaware. He began as a volunteer with two others ten years ago and now is one among many at the hospital. He also works for Cross Catholic Outreach, an organization that is based in the United States but goes all over the world to help the poorest of the poor.
Father Nash is a believer in many things that are important, but he emphasizes two things: Good Liturgy and Good Preaching, with an emphasis on the Mass as the first step in achieving that. “You need to make sure you are putting your energy and your time with the people.” Nash states. The second is feeding the poor. Father Nash is greatly influenced by Pope Francis and he means a great deal to him.
With his new position as pastor of Saints Peter & Paul parish and schools, Father Nash looks forward to continuing the work he was called to do and work toward fostering an energetic and engaged parish and school for years to come.
Father Michael was born and raised in Philadelphia, attending Our Lady of Pompeii School and Northeast Catholic High School. He applied for and was accepted to the Diocese of Wilmington and attended St. Mary’s College and Seminary in St. Mary, Kentucky where he finished a part of seminary formation. He then went on to complete his studies at St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore Maryland and was ordained to the Priesthood in May of 1975.
His assignments began as associate pastor at Holy Family Church in Newark DE. He served at St. Paul in Wilmington and St. Mary of the Assumption in Hockessin. In 1989, he was named Pastor of St. John’s / St Bernadette in Milford/Harrington, DE and ten years later returned to Holy Family in Newark as Pastor. In 2007 he served as associate pastor of the Church of the Holy Child in Wilmington, DE. His diocesan work included an appointment as Vocation Director and Director of Permanent Diaconate.
In 2012, he began his ministry among the poor and the homeless with the Ministry of Caring in Wilmington. He assisted those in need with employment opportunities, resume writing and job searches. At that time, he lived at the Friary of St. Felix with the Capuchin Brothers who served the Ministry of Caring.
Throughout all his assignments, Father has ministered to those who share much more of the crucifixion and so little of the Resurrection. Namely those who are hungry for food…hungry for acceptance…hungry for love.
Father knows that this ministry and outreach to those in need finds its roots in the Eucharist that gathers us each week. At the Liturgy we are called to be Christ to one another. Father Michael prays that this Eucharist continue to feed us…lead us…bless us.
Father Michael looks forward to ministering with us here at Saints Peter & Paul, St. Michael, and St. Joseph and working side by side with Fr. Nash, so that together…and with all of us…that we may make our parish communities welcoming communities of faith.
E-mail: mangeloni@ssppeaston.org
Rev. Ofonmbuk Cosmas Ekwere, more commonly known as Father Oscar was originally born in Nigeria. He is a permanent resident of Italy and had been ministering there as the pastor of a parish in Celano, Italy. He also belongs to the religious order of the Oblates of the Eucharistic Heart. He has been ordained a Catholic priest for 6 years and is fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, and has some knowledge of French in addition to his Nigerian languages.
Fr. Oscar is good friends with another priest in our Diocese, Fr. Idongesit Etim who is stationed at Holy Cross Church in Dover, DE. Recognizing the great need the diocese has for Spanish Speaking priests, Fr. Oscar generously agreed to serve the Hispanic parishioners at SS. Peter & Paul in Easton, MD; St. Dennis in Galena, MD and St. Joseph in Middletown, DE for a period of 3 to 5 years.
Fr. Oscar also has a doctorate in Canon Law. He is not only intelligent and blessed with a smart mind, but has a true priestly heart and a wonderful and kind disposition with a great desire to serve God and His People. Please give Fr. Oscar a warm welcome when you see him as we receive him into our parish family.
