Leadership & Staff
The Reverend Ayden J. Petrone
Priest-in-Charge
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.
Sam Wilson
Music Director
Samuel Wilson (Pronouns: he/him) is the Music Director here at Saint Francis. Originally from Leonia, NJ, Sam moved to New Brunswick in 2021 to study Jazz Piano Performance at Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts. Sam graduated recently in the summer of 2024 and now works full time as a pianist/organist/keyboardist.
Samuel began his position as Music Director in November 2024 and has been studying the church organ under the instruction of Mark Trautman, a highly esteemed organ professor and music director at various churches throughout NJ.
Outside of church, Sam makes a living playing piano/keyboards at weddings, jazz shows, and private events.
Trina Rios
Office Administrator
Trina Rios
Office Administrator
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.