Top photo caption: Denise Contino addresses catechists during a convocation held in St. Catherine of Siena Church, Farmingdale. Mike Ehrmann photo
By EmmaLee Italia, Contributing Editor
Bringing the Catholic faith to others has been the life’s work of Denise Contino, through her various catechetical teaching and leadership roles. In July, she is poised to expand that work as executive director of Pastoral Life and Mission for the Diocese of Trenton.
Having served the past eight years as diocesan director of catechesis, Contino spent 10 years before that as coordinator of religious education and faith formation and sixth grade teacher in St. Benedict Parish and School, Holmdel. She has found that the experiences “have deepened my love for ministry and my desire to support parish life more broadly. Over time, I have become increasingly interested in how the Church accompanies the People of God through every stage of life, from the womb to the tomb.”
The role of strong diocesan leadership is essential to the life and mission of the parish, Contino said. “Parishes are where people most directly encounter the Church, grow in faith and experience community,” she pointed out, “and the diocesan office helps ensure that pastors – along with parish leaders – have the resources, guidance and support they need.”
On a Mission
Contino has been part of St. Benedict Parish since 2003 along with her husband, John, and two children, Amanda and Joseph. She holds a master’s degree in theology from Georgian Court University, Lakewood; Pathways for CTE Teachers certification from New Jersey City University, and a bachelor’s in business administration from Baruch College, N.Y.
Replacing current executive director Terry Ginther, who will retire July 2, Contino noted that the opportunity “aligns naturally with my growing interest in how all stages of life connect to ministry.”
In announcing the appointment, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., stated, “I am delighted that Denise Contino has accepted my offer to become the new Executive Director of Pastoral Life and Mission for the Diocese. She is a woman of deep faith, and her proven administrative competence and extensive experience make her especially well-suited for the multiple responsibilities included in her new position. She has been blessed with a warm and gracious personality, and I welcome her as a member of the diocesan curia.”
Acknowledging that she felt both humbled and privileged to be appointed by the Bishop, Contino noted that she intends to implement the vision for pastoral life and mission that Ginther had established.
That involves forming parishioners as missionary disciples who lead others to Christ, as both a resource and partner to parishes. “We help connect parish leaders to one another, share best practices and provide guidance as parishes respond to the changing needs of their communities,” she said. “Our role is not to replace the work of the parish, but to support, encourage and equip parish leaders.”
The Gift of Others
She credits Ginther’s mentorship for “encouraging my growth as a leader,” and the staff of Pastoral Life and Mission for having “shown me the value of collaborative ministry.”
“We are able to accomplish far more together than we ever could working in isolation,” she said, “and that experience has prepared me to approach this new role with both confidence and a strong sense of teamwork.”
She expressed gratitude for other mentors and leaders – among them Father Dan Swift and Father Garry Koch (the former and current pastors of St. Benedict Parish respectively), “who have shaped both my understanding of ministry and approach to leadership.”
She also shared deep appreciation for parish catechetical leaders and lay ministers throughout the Diocese. “Working alongside them has strengthened my ability to collaborate effectively, listen carefully and accompany others in ministry.”