CLERGY & LAY STAFF

Father AJ joins St. Peter’s as Rector on December 15, 2025. AJ comes from St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Amenia, NY, where he served as Priest-in-Charge and as Executive Director of the Food of Life/Comida de Vida Food Pantry, a large community ministry serving neighbors across eastern Dutchess County. That work has deepened his conviction that when a congregation feeds and cares for its neighbors, the parish itself is strengthened and drawn together as a true church family.

Fr. AJ’s preaching is conversational and story-driven, rooted in scripture and everyday life. Sermons are meant to be practical—helping all of us connect what we hear on Sunday to the way we live, work, parent, serve, and make decisions the rest of the week. AJ loves creating spaces for formation and growth through Bible study, small groups, and other opportunities that invite honest questions and help people deepen their faith together. He is especially passionate about community engagement, building relationships in the wider neighborhood, and helping the church see those relationships as central to its life, growth, and sense of belonging.

In addition to parish ministry, AJ has served in diocesan leadership, including Diocesan Council and chairing the Resolutions Committee for diocesan convention. AJ is a parent of two energetic boys and enjoys exploring new recipes and playing board games with family and friends. Above all, he is excited to get to know the people of St. Peter’s, to share in and deepen the bonds of church family that already exist here, and to discover with you the great things God has in store for this parish and the Peekskill community.

AJ would love to talk to you! His cell is 740-590-8080 and his email is gastack@gmail.com.

Patricia Richardson is our Parish Administrator. Pat, a longtime active parishioner, handles the day-to-day operations of the parish office, manages the church’s finances and prepares the service bulletins and announcements. When not busy attending to the affairs of St. Peter’s, Pat enjoys reading, meditating, spending time with her family and volunteering in the community.