Trinity Church Welcomes New Pastor on Sunday

 began a new era and a busy October this Sunday when it welcomes a new rector, The Rev. Maria B. Sanzo, at the 8 and 10 a.m services.

Rev. Sanzo comes to Matawan from Pt. Pleasant Beach, where she had been serving as assistant rector at St. Mary By the Sea Episcopal Church. At Trinity, she will be succeeding The Rev. Denise P. Mantell, who retired in 2009.

“We are delighted to welcome Rev. Maria Sanzo as our next Rector,” said Hank Ramsey, Trinity’s Senior Warden. “We look forward to her spiritual guidance and to her leadership in sharing the love of Jesus Christ.”

 Rev. Sanzo was ordained a priest in 2010, shortly after receiving her Master in Divinity from The General Theological Seminary in New York City. Prior to entering the seminary, she served as a deacon in her original home parish of Christ Church in Toms River, Trinity Church in Asbury Park and St. Raphael The Archangel Church in Brick as well as a chaplain at Ocean Medical Center.

 Her work as a deacon included pastoral care to people leaving with HIV in Monmouth County and the homeless in Ocean County and as a counselor to children’s arts programs.

In her profile, posted on the Trinity website, Rev. Sanzo said, “It was during my service to St. Raphael’s that I discerned a new call, and began the process for ordination to the priesthood in December of 2006.”

“Maria has been a resident of central New Jersey for many years and already knows our communities, their strengths and their needs,” Warden Ramsey said. “Trinity has always been a place that focuses on outreach.”

 Rev. Sanzo’s arrival comes in time for some of Trinity’s biggest events in October, including its popular all-you-can-eat “Breakfast at Trinity” on Saturday, Oct. 8, from 8 a.m. to Noon and the traditional “Blessing of the Pets on Sunday Oct. 9 on the church grounds at 18 Ryers Lane, following the regular 10 a.m. service.

On Saturday, Oct. 22, the church will host its major annual fundraiser, a “,” from 6 to 9 p.m.

 More information about Trinity Episcopal Church in Matawan and its 161-year history can be found on the church website or by calling the church office at 732-591-9210.