Pastoral Council
Mission Statement
To encourage and invite parishioners to become active, vibrant members of the parish community and the community at large by fostering the development of varied activities and ministries which enhance spiritual, social and educational growth.
Joe Berger
Joe Berger has been a practicing attorney for over 31 years, handling cases in State and Federal Courts in the areas of employment and family law. Joe has been a member of St. Edward’s parish for 35 years. He has been a lector, a member of the choir, a cantor, and an adult faith formation presenter. Joe is also a graduate of the Diocesan Formation for Ministry Program (FMP). Joe’s daughter, Liz, and her husband Ben now reside in Tampa, FL while Joe’s son John is a resident of Tucson, AZ.
Mary Ann Sekellick
Mary Ann Sekellick has been a member of the parish for over 15 years and is a lifelong resident of the Capital Region. She served as co-chair of the Fair Trade ministry, the St. Edward‘s Heavenly Recipe Cookbook, and the Window of Opportunity gala. Mary Ann has also been involved with the Community Garden, Women of Faith, and coordinates the Parish Ministries. Currently, she serves as Pastoral Care Associate for the parish and is a Eucharistic Minister. She has completed the Diocesan Kateri Institute for Lay Ministry Formation program and holds a Certificate in Bereavement Studies from Maria College. When she is not spending time with her family there is no place she would rather be than with her St. Edward’s family.
Chris Hannan
Chris Hannan has been a parishioner since 2008. She is active in the planning of Evening Prayer, and many liturgies and is the coordinator of the lector ministry and a Eucharistic Minister. Chris has completed the diocesan Formation for Ministry Program (FMP) and is currently studying for a Master in Pastoral Care at St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry. She is employed as a Reading Specialist in the Albany City School District at Arbor Hill Elementary.
Bobby Lee
Bobby Lee has been working in law enforcement for 30 years. He has been a member of St. Edward’s parish since relocating here 10 years ago. He is a cantor and is a member of the Thursday choir and family choir. Bobby and his wife, Beth, have been married for 17 years. Bobby is the proud father of 5 children, and grandfather of 2 boys. Daughter Casey and her husband, John, live in South Carolina with their two sons. His son, Rob, resides on Long Island. Bobby’s younger children, Chris, Katie, and Brendan attend Gowana Middle School and are active members of the Choristers, Youth Ensemble, and a Family choirs.
Joanne DeNovio
Joanne DeNovio and her husband Fred have been parishioners at St Edwards since 1989. Joanne was a catechist in the Faith Formation and RCIA program for many years. She currently is a Eucharist minister and a participant in the Parish Nurse and Funeral Ministry. She has been a Registered Nurse for over 40 years and practices as a Certified Diabetes Educator. She recently retired from Ellis Medicine and works per diem as a diabetes educator for Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals.
Frederick DeNovio
Frederick DeNovio and his wife Joanne have been a parishioners at St Edwards since 1989. He recently retired as a Contract Manager for General Electric Power and Water. Fred has participated as a catechist in the RCIA program and was involved in the Residents Encounter Christ program for many years. He currently assists with Christmas Gifts for Needy Families program and serves as secretary for the Parish Council.
Nick Papa
Nick Papa I have recently been appointed as a member of the St. Edwards Church Pastoral Council. I was born, raised, and educated in local schools in the Utica NY area. My wife Joyce and I have been residents of Clifton Park since 1983. We have 3 grown children and 5 beautiful Grandchildren. I retired from KeyCorp after a 37-year career in the I/T Services Division and later continued on with my own business providing services as an independent I/T Consultant. I am currently retired and occupy a good deal of my time focusing on volunteer work within several Ministries here at St. Edwards Church as well as participating in volunteer services with other Non-For-Profits. I am excited and look forward to working with my fellow council members in serving the St. Edward's Community.
Joyce Papa
Joyce Papa I am extremely proud of my appointment by Father Pat to become a member of the St. Edwards Church Pastoral Council. After our family moved to Clifton Park in 1983, we became members of St. Edwards Church, and following a short absence, returned here in the Spring of 2015. Our children Lisa, Nick, and Denise all received their sacraments here with both of our daughters being married from St. Ed’s. Over the years I have been involved and active in various Church Ministries with a special focus on the Hosanna Prayer Group. I have also enjoyed being part of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal since the early 1980s. I am excited about the Pastoral Council initiatives that are in the planning stages and will contribute as best I can to help ensure their success. Becoming a member of the Council is not only an honor but will be a way of giving back to a very special community.