The Rev. Ayden J. Petrone (Pronouns: they/them/their) is the Priest-in-Charge here at St. Francis. Originally from the Ewing area, Ayden most recently returned to live in Ewing after living in the Richmond & Hampton Roads area of Virginia for over 25 years. Ayden is happily married to their wife, a US Navy Combat Veteran and mechanical engineer. Together, they have a young son who is elementary school aged. 

Ayden received their Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in Anglican Studies from United Lutheran Seminary in May of 2022 and was ordained to the Sacred Order of Priests on June 3, 2023. Outside of ministry, Ayden is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and owns their own private psychotherapy practice. Ayden has been in the clinical field for 15+ years and specializes in LGBTQIA* populations, trauma work, substance use disorders, life transitions, and pastoral counseling. 

In Ayden’s spare time, Ayden enjoys spending time with their family, being outside, hiking, road biking, and swimming. Ayden also conducts trainings, speaking engagements, and provides support and consultation to churches, hospitals, universities, etc. in regard to gender and sexuality training and education.

Joe Fernandez is the Music Director at St. Francis. He brings 40 years of experience as a Director of Music and Liturgy, alongside his roles as an administrator and business owner. He currently lives in Bridgewater with his wife, Gel, and his two daughters, Summer and Eva.

As a Music Director and as a church attendee, Joe is firm believer that parish culture is about relationships, sacrifice, and having a true servant’s heart. He remains deeply committed to fostering the full, conscious, and active participation of the faithful in the liturgy.

Joe writes, “Over the years, the Lord has consistently guided me back to ministry, enhancing the music program and enriching the spiritual life of the parish. I am humbled, blessed, honored, and excited to serve your community and look forward to walking this journey of faith, worship, and witness together with you.”

Trina is a passionate community advocate and a dedicated professional. She serves as a staff member of St. Francis Church and a councilwoman of the Borough of Dunellen where she volunteers extensively.  Trina's connections to the community help inform St. Francis' involvement in Dunellen.

Trina has been married for 30 years and is a proud mother of two sons, Jaxon (17) and Hudsun (11). She enjoys traveling cross-country in her RV with her family every year, finding joy in giving back and helping others.